dalat trip blog

3 Days in Dalat Itinerary: What to See in Vietnam’s City of Flowers

After living in Vietnam for over four years years, Dalat (aka “City of Eternal Spring” and “City of Flowers”) is easily one of our favorite cities in Vietnam .

Located in the Central Highlands and the capital of Lam Dong province, Dalat has everything that we love – high mountains, clean air, cool weather, stunning waterfalls , and incredible flowers such as hydrangeas blooming everywhere on the sidewalks.

We had 3 days in Dalat and it was a good amount of time to introduce us to the city. While the slow-paced city vibe isn’t for everyone, it’s a great addition to a South Vietnam itinerary if you love nature.

With this Dalat 3 days itinerary, we’re sharing what to do in Dalat, places to eat, accommodation, how to get around, and more.

If you want to explore other off the beaten track places of the Central Highlands, visit Bao Loc and/or Cat Tien National Park for a few days.

Click on the links below to jump and learn about the Dalat itinerary:

• Day 1 – Explore Dalat City by Foot
• Day 2 – Crazy House and City Tour
• Day 3 – Chasing Waterfalls

Other Things to Do in Dalat

How to get to dalat.

• Transportation

Where to Stay in Dalat

Where to eat in dalat.

*Disclosure: Headed to Dalat? We have affiliate links in this post. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Dalat Itinerary Day 1 – Explore Dalat City by Foot

Once you arrived in Dalat, head to your accommodations to drop off your luggage. Afterward, it’s time to explore the main city center of Dalat by foot.

It comes as no surprise with Dalat’s nickname of the “City of Flowers” with hydrangeas and flowers bursting everywhere.

Walk Around the Ho Xuan Huong Lake

In the middle of the city center is a man-made lake, Ho Xuan Huong ( Hồ Xuân Hương ). The total distance around the lake is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long. Walking around the lake is a perfect way to start out your adventure in Dalat.

Depending on your walking speed, it’ll take between 45 minutes – 1 hour to walk around the entire lake.

If you need a break from walking, there are horse carriages that will go around the lake or you can sit in a swan boat to paddle in the lake. Another option is to stop by one of the vendors selling street food for a snack break.

Dalat Flower Garden

One of the tourist stops along the lake is the Dalat Flower Garden (Vườn Hoa). It’s a tranquil area with 300+ varieties of beautifully maintained flowers and plants.

The garden area has many flower sculptures to pose with, such as carriages, benches, and even an “I Heart Dalat” sign. It’s impressive to see the bushes in the shape of dragons and elephants. While it’s a bit random, there is a themed section that has Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs statues.

We recommend spending at least an hour in this park to soak in the beauty.

Admission: Adults 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD); Children 20,000 VND ($.90 USD)

Lam Vien Square & Yersin Park

You can’t miss the next stop which is the Lam Vien Square ( Quảng Trường Lâm Viên). It’s a public area that has a giant artichoke and sunflower building.

The artichoke building is a trendy coffee shop, while the sunflower building is an underground shopping center with a Big C supermarket. This is one of the nicest Big C supermarkets that we’ve been to and it has everything that you need for your stay.

In front of the sunflower building has several street food vendors if you’re craving some skewered meats or grilled rice paper with stuffing ( bánh tráng nướng).

In the evenings, this area is a popular hangout spot. Some teenagers practice their skateboarding techniques off of the stairs.

Across from the square is Yersin Park. Although not as impressive as the Dalat Flower Garden, it’s still a nice place to walk through for some greenery.

Dalat Night Market

We’re headed to the popular Dalat Night Market ( Chợ đêm Đà Lạt ) which is next to the Ho Xuan Huong Lake. Take your time to browse through the many stalls for souvenirs, clothing, snacks, and drinks .

If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City where the weather is warmer, you may have forgotten to pack a jacket . Since it’s chillier in the evenings, there are many vendors selling jackets and sweaters. You can purchase one starting at 100,000 VND ($4.30 USD) which is quite affordable.

If you love tea, stop by the L’ang Farm stores in the market area. We recommend oolong tea. Or, pursue the shop for various snacks.

Otherwise, try some of the amazing street foods such as ống lá dứa. It’s a warm coconut leaf cake that is rolled in a coconut and sugar concoction. We purchased 3 pieces for 20,000 VND ($.90 USD). If you need a drink, try a cup of hot soymilk for 10,000 VND ($.40 USD).

The market has a produce area where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. It was amazing to see a meticulously stacked mound of avocados, permissions, strawberries, dragon fruit, and much more. Consider trying the strawberries as they’re grown in Dalat.

Have you tried avocadoes from Dalat? Visit the Night Market during your 3 days in Dalat.

Tip: Do not touch the produce unless you intend to buy them. We picked up asparagus to look at them and were yelled at by the seller.

Dalat Itinerary Day 2 – Crazy House & Dalat City Tour

On the second day in Dalat, we’re exploring more of Dalat by visiting the Crazy House and also going on a half-day Dalat city tour with OneTrip to explore the Central Highlands.

Crazy House

Start out the day with a little bit of craziness. The Crazy House is a must-visit when you’re in Dalat. Barcelona, Spain has artwork by Antonio Gaudi artwork, while Dalat has Crazy House.

Created by Dr. Dang Viet Nga, she wanted to build a place where she didn’t want to follow any architectural rules and also an expression of her creativity. The whole place is a giant maze with quirky sculptures and decor everywhere.

Navigate through the tight walkways (enough for 1 person to pass by). End up at the rooftop with beautiful views of the city, a souvenir shop, or a room with an ocean theme and 3D artwork. It’s a fun visit to walk around and see Dr. Dang Vietn Nga’s vision. During our visit, there was construction to expand this place even larger.

If you want a unique accommodation in Dalat, stay overnight at one of the themed rooms, such as tiger, pheasant, ant, kangaroo, bamboo, gourd, and more. Due to the interesting decor of the rooms, visitors might try to open your door to look inside if it’s closed. Check availability and reserve one of the awesome themed rooms .

It’s recommended to come in the early morning or late afternoon as this place is challenging to walk through when there are tour groups.

Admission: Adults 50,000 VND ($2.15 USD) / Children 20,000 VND ($.90 USD)

Dalat Cathedral (Aka Chicken Church)

About a 10-minute walk from the Crazy House is the Dalat Cathedral (aka Chicken Church).

Built during the 1930s, it’s the largest church in Dalat with French architecture. The nickname “Chicken Church” comes from the chicken sculpture located on the roof of the church.

To get a good picture of the church, you’ll need to take the photo across the street.

Although the church was closed in the mornings during our visit, it’s open to the public in the afternoon.

Half-Day Dalat City Tour

After an amazing half-day tour in Nha Trang with OneTrip , we decided to go on a half-day afternoon city tour of Dalat via motorbike. The four-hour city tour is an amazing opportunity to explore the Central Highlands.

* Update: The OneTrip city tour has been discontinued for now. Please check out the Facebook page for updates.

We had three people in our tour. Our tour guides, Binh, Tin Tin, and Tri (who guided us in Nha Trang) were awesome to hang out provided a great overview of the places we visited. The friendly connection is like we’ve been friends forever! 

Here are some alternative city tours that you can take instead:

• Check out this tour of Dalat’s tourist attractions
• A tour of the countryside with beautiful landscapes

During our tour, explored through the countryside of Dalat and went to the following places:

Robin Hill & Dalat Cable Car Ride

Robin Hill is the perfect postcard photo place. You’ll walk up a short hill to see the breathtaking views of Dalat city.

From here, take a short one-way cable car ride to overlook the countryside, numerous strawberry farms, lakes, and observe the greenery. Each person costs 60,000 VND ($2.60 USD) for the one-way ride.

The cable car ride isn’t required. If you’re afraid of heights, the guides can drive you to the other side of the mountain where they’ll wait to pick up the others on the cable car.

If you visit Robin Hill cable car without the tour, purchase the round trip cable car ride for a discounted price here ! Save some money by buying tickets ahead of time. 

Check out the stunning views of Dalat during your Dalat city tour.

Tuyen Lam Lake

We’re off to the Tuyen Lam Lake which is perfect for couples to observe the sunset. It’s a quick rest stop here where you can try the Hong Kong-style dragon’s beard candy (kẹo chỉ) and mango with chili salt.

King Palace

If you love visiting beautiful palaces, then you have to visit King Palace (Dinh 1 Đà Lạt) . The palace opened to the public over 2 years ago and provides the history of the king, Bao Dai, and his family during the Nguyen Dynasty.

One of the highlights includes walking through the families’ house to see the living arrangements of the king. You’ll receive shoe covers before entering the house. To feel like royalty, dress up as a king and queen for photos for 50,000 VND ($2.15 USD) .

Dalat Railway Station

The Dalat Railway Station (aka Crémaillère Railway Station) has iconic French architecture and a nice place to take photos (and engagement photos!).

Although we didn’t have time, we would return to take the train to go to the Linh Phuoc Pagoda . This pagoda is known to be created out of mosaic tiles. The train departs every day at about every hour so check the schedule at the station for the exact departure times.

Snack Break of Bánh Căn

We had a quick snack of small crispy rice pancakes with quail eggs ( bánh căn ). What is also unique about Dalat’s bánh căn is that it’s paired with anchovies sauce or fish sauce. Don’t worry, the anchovies sauce is not as strong as you think it is.

Van Hanh Monastery

The last stop of the tour is the monastery to see a 24 meter (79 feet) high golden Buddha statue. It’s told that Buddha is gold color since Buddha came from the skies so it’s good luck.

Helpful Tips:

• Going on the tour in the early morning or the afternoon will have different experience. It’ll be cooler in the morning, however, the afternoon is just as lovely with the sunset.
• Ensure that pick up and drop off is at your hotel/accommodations.
• Bring water and a jacket. Dalat has cooler weather so the motorbike ride will have more wind. 

Dalat Itinerary Day 3 – Exploring Dalat Waterfalls

We had an amazing time with OneTrip with yesterday’s half-day city tour so we signed up for the full day Dalat waterfalls tour via motorbike for our third day. This tour was one of our favorite aspects during our time in Dalat. Not only were our guides, Tin Tin, Tri, and Hung, awesome as usual but we chased waterfalls and visited unique areas of Dalat.

Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit or another set of clothes for the waterfalls. Read our helpful Vietnam packing list here. 

Tuyen Lam Lake for Coffee & Breakfast

After grabbing sandwiches ( bánh mì ) and sweet sticky rice ( xôi ) for breakfast in the city center, we drove to the Tuyen Lam Lake to enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee or tea. The lake is peaceful in the morning.

Chicken Village

Did you know that there is a “Chicken Village?” The village area has a huge iconic chicken statue.

While you can climb into the chicken’s stomach to sit inside, you won’t be able to go on top of the chicken’s head.

The area is known for the ethnic minorities of Vietnam and they focus on farming. They also sell stunning handicrafts made out of silk.

Mushroom Farm

Love mushrooms? We’re off to a local mushroom farm to see fresh shimeji and wooden ears grown out of vertically stacked tubes.

Hello mushrooms!

Pongour Waterfall

Pongour Waterfall is the second largest waterfall in Vietnam . It’s a jaw-dropping waterfall with multi-tiered layers.

From the parking lot, walk down along a dirt path to the base of the falls. We went during the start of the rainy season so the cascades were heavier but still magnificent to see.

While you can’t swim in the falls, you can walk onto the first level of the falls and up to a certain point. Don’t rush when walking on top of the rocks. The moss makes the rocks very slippery. Feel free to have a brief meditation underneath your waterfall “shower.”

Lunch at a Local Host’s House

Remember how we stopped by the mushroom farm? We had it as a part of our lunch.

To get to our lunch host’s house, we went through an off-road muddy path. Luckily our tour guides were used to riding through the mud with ease and we didn’t have any motorbike injuries !

Lunch was delicious and also tailored to our pescatarian diet (no meat but seafood is okay) with rice, egg with green onions, tuna, spinach, squash and shrimp soup, and the squid with fresh mushroom. So good!

Elephant Waterfall

While Pongour Waterfall has elegant cascades, Elephant Waterfall has powerful cascades. Although you can view the falls from above, the best view is at the bottom of the falls. Be careful as the rocks and walking paths are slippery from the mist.

Another unique area is to head behind the falls. You’ll need to straddle between rock and branches. It’s quite the adventure but well worth the effort. Prepare to get drenched from the waterfall’s pressure.

Weasel Poop Coffee Farm

While weasel poop coffee is one of the souvenirs to buy in Vietnam , for us it was sad to see the civets (not officially weasels) in their cages. Many of the civets were distressed in their cages as they roamed back and forth in them. The civets are force-fed coffee cherries so they can defecate the coffee.

If you have additional time during your after your 3 days in Dalat itinerary, check out these other things to do in Dalat.

Domaine de Marie

What – a pink Catholic church?! Check out this Instagram-worthy spot and also take a walk around their gardens.

If you want a fun adventure in Vietnam , consider canyoning. It’s such a rush to rappel down a canyon and into the waters. Click here to reserve a spot for your canyoning adventure . 

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance in advance if you do this adventure! You never know if you get injured or need medical assistance during canyoning.

Langbiang Mountain 

Langbiang Mountain ( Núi Langbiang ) is the perfect place to hiking spot in Dalat. The round trip trek takes 3-4 hours, or you can take a Jeep to the peak of the mountain. We didn’t get a chance to visit here but it’s on a bucket list. Don’t forget to take a photo of the giant Langbiang sign. 

Click here to buy your Langbiang ticket in advance !

Hike to Tam Tham Waterfall

One of the hidden gems of Dalat is Tam Tham Waterfall. It’s located in the Langbiang Mountain area. Spend about 5-6+ hours round-trip to hike to this secret Tam Tham Waterfall. You walk through the quiet and peaceful forest area and will have the waterfall to yourself. 

Read more: Guide to Tam Tham Waterfall

Bidoup nui ba national park trek.

As you know, Dalat has amazing trekking opportunities due to its gorgeous mountains.

If you have at least two full days, consider taking a trek up Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. This national park is not crowded as the trail is hard to get to.

The trek takes at least 28 kilometers (17.3 miles). You’ll walk through the forest area, reach the summit at 2,287 meters (7,503 feet), and spend the night at a campsite.

Read more about our intense Bidoup Nui Ba National Park trekking experience here.

Clay sculpture tunnel .

Love seeing artwork? Check out the Clay Sculpture Tunnel. While we haven’t been here, it looks like a fun place to see sculptures made out clay. There are sculptures of animals, two heads looking at each other (one of the popular pieces for social media), life in Dalat city, and more. Buy your tickets in advance for Clay Sculpture Tunnel and save money !

Other Waterfalls

Add these other Dalat waterfalls onto your list – Prenn and Datanla which are nearby the Dalat city center.

If you visit Datanla, you can ride an alpine coaster and zip through the forest area. Purchase your alpine tickets at discounted prices here. 

Visit a Dalat farm to pick fruits.

Many of Vietnam’s produce comes from Dalat. To experience the fresh produce, stop by a farm to pick your own fruits, such as strawberries.

The fastest way to get to Dalat is to take a flight to Lien Khuong Airport (airport code: DLI). Daily flights to Dalat are available on VietJet, Bamboo Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines. From Ho Chi Minh to Dalat, the flight is 50 minutes.

The airport is 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the main Dalat area, so you can take a Dalat airport shuttle bus to the city center for 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD).

Another option is to hire a private airport transfer to the Dalat city center . It’s hassle-free! Click here to check availability and book your airport transfer in advance. 

The cheaper route is to take the sleeper bus to Dalat . We’ve been to Dalat from Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City via bus and sleeper bus, respectively. From Ho Chi Minh City, the bus ride is about 6 hours and costs between 180,000 VND – 220,000 VND ($7.75 – $9.50 USD) one way. It’s an affordable way to travel as a weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh . 

We can’t recommend the sleeper buses enough. It’s one of the easiest ways to travel throughout Vietnam . You get to recline in a bus and not have to worry about driving. 

How to Get Around Dalat

If you’re staying in the city center, walking is the best way to get around Dalat. It’s good exercise and you can take your time exploring. Check out our post on tips to cross the streets in Vietnam . 

Otherwise, you’ll need to rent a motorbike if exploring areas outside of the city center. Local buses, Grab car and motorbikes, and taxis are also available.

Due to Dalat’s focus on increasing tourism, there are plenty of guesthouses and hotels that you can stay at.

Check out places to stay in Dalat here .

We prefer the more affordable route and found a clean hotel, Mộc Trà Hotel , located in a residential area for around $25 USD per night. This hotel is hidden as it’s in the back of an alleyway. It wasn’t an issue as the area was quiet. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to the Night Market.

Our bedroom and bathroom was very clean. The bed was also very comfortable. The receptionist was so friendly during our stay and helped us reserve bus tickets to head to our next destination, Mui Ne . She even brought us to the bus pick up spot to ensure that we made it on board.

Check availability for Mộc Trà Hotel and reserve a room .

If you’re looking to stay at higher-end resorts and hotels , here are three highly-rated recommendations for you to consider:

• Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa – Stay in your own villa! Cost is around $140 USD per night. Click here to make a reservation for Ana Mandara Villas .
• Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam – Stay near by the Tuyen Lam Lake and get a mountain view. The rooms are between $80-$145 USD. Click here to reserve a room at Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam . 
• Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa – Here is another hotel by the Tuyen Lam Lake. Stay in a suite and overlook the lake. Rooms cost between $150-$200 depending on the room. Click here to reserve a room at Dalat Edensee Lake Resport.

Dalat has a mix of Western and local cuisine. With three days here, we only had a taste of the restaurants in the area.

After visiting Dalat several times, we created a full list of recommended places to eat in Dalat .

Hoa Sen Vegetarian Place

This is a fabulous vegetarian place to eat in the city center of Dalat. While it’s not a local “quán” type of place, it has reasonable prices and delicious food. We had lotus sen fried rice, 3 types of mushroom clay pot, sweet and sour Thai soup, banana leaf salad, and fried eggrolls (although, we wouldn’t recommend the eggrolls). Cash only.

Address: 62 Phan Đình Phùng, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng

Located in the Night Market, this place has delicious BBQ seafood. Choose your seafood such as shrimp and squid and have it prepared however you’d like. Don’t forget to ask how much it costs because there aren’t any prices on the menu. The servers have limited English so it’s helpful to know Vietnamese and/or Chinese.

Address: Dalat Night Market

Are you a fan of Vietnamese desserts ( c hè )? This place is well known for its Thai Vietnamese desserts. We’ve had the special and regular chè and each mug had jellies, lychee, jackfruit, a dollop of durian, and mixed with coconut milk. Thumbs up for the durian addition as we love durian!

Address: 15 Bà Triệu, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng

We hope you enjoyed this 3 days itinerary for Dalat. There is a lot to explore in this city, so spend more time in this mountainous area if you can such as hiking, trekking, or mountain biking.

Check out our Vietnam posts for more inspiration:

• What to Know About Traveling to Vietnam
• Travel 1 Week in Vietnam 
• Spend 1 Week in Central Vietnam 
• Best Vietnam Islands to Visit
• Which Vietnam Travel Apps to Use

What excites you the most about visiting Dalat, Vietnam? Let us know in the comments.

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Pin #1 photo credit: Ekaterina Abramova via Scopio Photos

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

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Wander-Lush

Perfect 3-Day Dalat Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Vietnam’s City of Eternal Spring

Love food, coffee and architecture? Hey, me too! Dalat, the City of Eternal Spring, is one of the best places in Vietnam for all three.

Here are my top things to do in Dalat, plus a handy 3-day Dalat itinerary . At the end of the post, you’ll find some essential visitor’s information to plan your trip.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

About Dalat

Let me paint you a picture of Dalat.

More from Vietnam

Discover the best city guides, itineraries, travel tips & hidden gems in my Vietnam Travel Guide.

A little city in Southern Vietnam ‘s Central Highlands region, about 300km northeast of Saigon, Dalat earned its epitaph ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ because of its year-round cool weather . Heritage buildings and wide streets, leftovers of the French, characterise downtown Dalat.

Thick bushels of purple hydrangeas decorate every stretch of sidewalk. Set over undulating hills, Dalat’s streets are pitched at odd angles, creating interesting ‘stacked’ rooftops and narrow laneways that are a joy to explore on foot.

Beyond the city, Dalat is surrounded by pine forests and more rolling hills , which always seem to be shrouded in the perfect amount of opaque mist. Orchards, flower farms, tea fields, vineyards and coffee estates – and a little further afield, cacao plantations – plaster the verdant, hyper-productive countryside.

The fruits of farmers’ labour are sold in cafes, at street food markets and in specialty shops in Dalat, which probably has more cute coffee houses per capita than anywhere else in Vietnam.

Dalat has a retro, vintage vibe (in 2018, a popular 1960s-era movie was filmed in Dalat), and is widely considered to be Vietnam’s most romantic city . It’s wildly popular with young couples and newlyweds as a result. But Dalat is often overlooked by international tourists.

A huge part of Dalat’s appeal is being able to break from the crowds and step into a place that feels wholly and utterly unique in Vietnam .

After spending a year in Hanoi and more than three years in total in Southeast Asia, I can say with confidence that Dalat is one of my favourite places to visit in the region .

I sincerely hope this guide and itinerary will inspire you to visit Dalat, a city that deserves way more attention than it currently gets!

Where to stay in Dalat

Close to restaurants and most of the landmarks mentioned in this Dalat itinerary, the city centre is a great place to base your stay in Dalat. If you don’t mind being a bit further out, there are some unique luxury accommodations in the hills around the city.

• Luxe: Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa – a set of 17 original 1930s French villas. If it falls within your budget, this is one of the most unique and beautiful accommodations in all of Vietnam.
• Heritage: Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel – well-appointed rooms set inside a private park 300m from the Bao Dai Palace.
• Mid-range: New Hampton Suites – tidy rooms in the city centre.
• Budget: Moc Thach Hostel – budget-friendly private and shared rooms on the western side of the lake.

19 awesome things to do in Dalat

Before you start planning the finer details of your Dalat itinerary, here are 19 things you absolutely can’t miss in Dalat. Think of this as your Dalat bucket list!

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1. Get a taste of Dalat’s coffee culture

Dalat is synonymous with coffee. You can almost smell the hearty aroma of roasting beans in the air as soon as your step onto the tarmac at Dalat airport. Lam Dong Province and the hills surrounding Dalat are plastered with coffee plantations.

Dalat city itself is filled with dozens of cute cafes of every shape and kind – from ultra-modern warehouse-style espresso bars, to retro Communist-inspired cafes.

Whether you do a plantation trip, a quick tour of a roasting house or you just cafe hop and sample a few different local brews, coffee culture is something you must experience in Dalat.

2. Visit Truc Lam Temple

I know, I know: Vietnam has more temples and pagodas than you could possibly hope (or want) to visit. But there’s something special about Truc Lam Temple ( Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm ). A Zen Buddhist temple and meditation centre set at the top of Dalat’s Robin Hill, the Truc Lam complex is massive – about 24 hectares in total.

The temple’s resident monks keep the grounds immaculately clean and the shrubs perfectly manicured.

3. ‘Chase the clouds’ in Trai Mat

When I mentioned my upcoming trip to Dalat to my Vietnamese language teacher in Hanoi, she told me I simply must go ‘chase the clouds’ in Trai Mat.

Chasing the clouds, I discovered, basically involves getting up before dawn and hanging out in a field. As the sun rises, low mist floats into view, diffusing the light and making for some pretty spectacular photo opportunities before it evaporates.

There are a few places in Vietnam that are famous cloud chasing spots – including Dien Bein Phu in the far northwest. Trai Mat, a small agricultural village just outside Dalat, is a great place to chase the clouds in Central Vietnam.

4. Lose your mind at the Crazy House

Dalat’s best-known tourist attraction, the Crazy House ( Hằng Nga ), is a private home in the city centre with a rather kooky design. Somewhere between a Dali painting, a Gaudi creation and a polystyrene theme park installation, it’s comprised of strangely shaped and painted walkways, chambers, peep holes and staircases.

A self-guided tour of the Crazy House involves walking around the property and exploring its nooks.

5. Feel like royalty at the Bao Dai Summer Palace

The former summer residences (there’s more than one in Dalat) of Vietnam’s last emperor are fine examples of royal architecture and design.

Donning a pair of soft booties and slipping and sliding your way around the polished floors of the restored houses is one of the coolest things to do in Dalat.

6. Wander through a coffee plantation

If you’ve never seen a coffee tree before, a plantation tour in Dalat provides a fascinating insight into the origins of coffee, the harvesting process, and the time and effort that goes into growing each bean.

Dalat’s plantations were first established by the French and have been revived in recent years as coffee has gained popularity and exports have stepped up (Vietnam is now the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee after Brazil).

You’ll come away from a tour with a greater appreciation for your morning cuppa.

7. Check out Elephant Waterfall

Hilly, lush and always raining – sounds like a perfect recipe for waterfalls. Dalat has some excellent natural water features, including lakes and cascading falls . Elephant Waterfall is the most popular of the bunch, and features on any good Dalat tour itinerary.

I’m not usually one for waterfalls, but the scale of the drop and volume of water pouring down Elephant Waterfall left me breathless. Refer to Day 2 of my Dalat itinerary below for more information on how to get there.

8. Shop for edible souvenirs

The L’angfarm chain of shops in Dalat sells edible souvenirs made from local produce: Dried fruits, jams and preserves, matcha green tea powder, chocolate, artichoke tea, and of course, coffee.

If you’re in the market for a few Vietnam souvenirs, Dalat is the perfect place to do your shopping.

9. Learn about indigenous K’Ho culture

Before the French arrived in the 1920s and transformed Dalat into the city it is today, the area was traditionally occupied by Vietnam’s K’Ho ethnic group. K’Ho (and other minority communities) still live in Dalat and in villages around Lam Dong Province. Taking some time to learn about their culture and way of life is a must-do when in Dalat.

Try visiting a K’Ho village (see Day 2 of my Dalat itinerary), or taking a tour of the K’Ho Coffee plantation, the only Dalat coffee label that is owned by indigenous Montagnard and K’Ho people.

10. Get a photo in front of the pink church

Selfie and Instagram culture is huge in Vietnam, and no where did I see more snap-happiness than in Dalat. Who can blame us – Dalat’s pastel, perfectly symmetrical French buildings are incredibly photogenic.

The most sought-after photo opportunity in Dalat is at the city’s famous pink church. Plan to arrive at Domaine de Marie early if you want a photo minus the crowds (more information on Day 1 of my Dalat itinerary below).

11. Ride the Dalat cable car

Dalat, like the rest of Vietnam’s Central Highlands region, is very mountainous. One of the best ways to conquer the hills around Dalat is by riding the cable car, which leads from a station in town to the top of Robin Hill (the location of Truc Lam Temple). The 4km line travels over pine forests and offers glorious views, provided you visit on a clear-ish day.

The Dalat Cable Car operates daily from 7.30am to 11.30am and again from 1pm until 5pm (note the break for lunch). A ticket costs 80,000 VND one-way.

12. Marvel at Dalat’s French architecture

Given its history as a French hill station, Dalat is graced with some pretty spectacular French-era architecture . Many of the civic and institutional buildings have been diligently preserved and appear much as they would have when they were constructed back in the 1920s and 30s.

Villas and mansions around Dalat’s French Quarter haven’t fared so well – most lay abandoned and overgrown with moss, which gives them a very spooky feel (did you know that Dalat is rumoured to be overrun with ghosts!?).

13. Spot the chicken?

I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but one of Dalat’s most famous landmarks is topped with a statuette of a chicken. Hint: You’ll have to strain your neck to spot it! Keep reading my Dalat itinerary to find out where exactly the chicken is. (If you’re up on your Vietnamese, you’ll know straight away because the Vietnamese word for ‘chicken’ appears in this landmark’s title.)

There’s more than one chicken in Dalat – there’s also a ‘Chicken Village’ just outside of town (more on that later, too!).

14. Try local Dalat cuisine

Because of the cold climate, food in Dalat is hearty and rich. Many dishes feature locally grown Dalat produce, including loads of fresh fruit and avocados.

The Dalat Night Market, which happens every evening from about 5pm in the centre of town, is a great place to find street treats and sample the best Dalat foods.

Don’t leave without trying bread with meatballs ( Bánh mì xíu mại ), grilled rice paper with egg ( Bánh tráng kẹp ), and scallion and quail egg pancakes with fish sauce ( Bánh căn ), and Dalat’s famous avocado ice cream ( Kem bơ ).

15. Ride on the Dalat Plateau Railway

Back in the days of the French, Dalat’s train line was a vital connection between Central Vietnam and the rest of the country. The line, which terminated at the Art Deco-inspired and since-restored Dalat Railway Station, linked Dalat with Hanoi in the north and Saigon in the south.

After falling to ruin during the war, the line was pillaged to reconstruct the famous Reunification Express, which runs the length of the country.

A small section of Dalat’s railway was re-opened in the early 2000s and now ferries tourists from Trai Mat village. In a stroke of marketing genius, it was re-branded the Dalat Plateau Railway: A new moniker that is very romantic, but has nothing to do with the original name.

16. Visit a flower farm

Dalat is famous for its hydrangeas and wild flowers (in fact, a lot of the cut flowers sold at flower markets in Hanoi and elsewhere are grown in Dalat). There are a few flower farms around Dalat that are open to the public and well worth a visit.

Some are family owned; others are state run. Some consist of fields; others take the form of huge white-tented greenhouses. Most ask for a small fee (around 20,000 VND) to enter.

The Hydrangea Garden near Trai Mat village and the lavender farm near Tuyen Tam Lake are both popular with visitors. If flowers aren’t your thing, you can visit strawberry and fruit farms (or vineyards) instead.

17. Get a bird’s eye view of Tuyen Tam Lake

Tuyen Tam Lake (Hồ Tuyền Lâm) is a natural lake just south of Dalat city. You can picnic on the lake’s edge or paddle a boat on the lake itself – but in my opinion, Tuyen Tam is best seen from afar.

Views from Robin Hill and Truc Lam Temple are especially atmospheric in the early morning and late afternoon, when the lake, with its bushy outcrops and green islands, are draped in that fine Dalat mist.

18. Get messy at Tunnel Clay

In a similar vein as Dalat’s Crazy House, Tunnel Clay (Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc) is one of Dalat’s more unusual attractions. Located in a pine forest at the southwestern end of Tuyen Tam Lake, it’s basically a mud village-cum-theme park made up of massive clay structures, tunnels and artistic sculptures .

As you can imagine, it can get pretty messy on a rainy Dalat day! Bring a change of socks.

19. Take an easy rider tour around Dalat

Wondering how to best take in all the wonderful sights and experiences Dalat has to offer? An easy rider tour of the countryside surrounding Dalat is the perfect way to see the highlights in style.

Day 2 of my Dalat itinerary has more details about easy rider tours, and my provider of choice.

3-Day Dalat itinerary for food, coffee & architecture

This 3-day Dalat itinerary is tailor-made for anyone who loves coffee, wine and good food. It also includes plenty of architecture and a few adventurous outdoor activities, too!

Day 1: Markets & monuments

Dalat market & breakfast at one more cafe.

If you arrived in Dalat overnight, your first glimpse of the city will be in the early morning. This is prime market time, when the streets come alive with shoppers and the breakfast trade heats up.

Dalat’s main marketplace ( Chợ Đà Lạt ) unravels around the roundabout in the centre of town. There is an undercover section, but I preferred walking around the less-claustrophobic outdoor stalls. Keep an eye out for fresh flowers, artichokes and strawberries , all locally grown.

Once you’ve had a look around the market, duck into One More Cafe , a Dalat institution that serves one of the best cups of coffee in town alongside light breakfasts.

Domaine de Marie

After breakfast, it’s time to visit one of Dalat’s most impressive French colonial buildings . Domaine de Marie is a Catholic Church set on a little hill in the centre of town.

It still hosts daily mass, and has a functioning nunnery around the back.

Looking pretty in pink (in person, the colours are actually closer to brick), Domaine de Marie is a very popular photo spot. Don’t forget to walk around the side to visit the nunnery and pretty gardens as well.

The gates of Domaine de Marie are open from 5.30am daily (earlier on a Saturday). The church is an easy 900m walk through Dalat’s residential suburbs from One More cafe and the centre of town.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

From one Catholic institution to another. St. Nicholas Cathedral, also known as Dalat Cathedral or by its Vietnamese nickname Nhà thờ Con Gà is the biggest and most prestigious in Dalat. Like Domaine de Marie, it’s a functioning house of worship will a daily mass.

St. Nicholas Cathedral is located at the southwestern corner of Xuan Huong Lake, about 2.4km from Domaine de Marie. I recommend jumping in a Grab to get there.

The church doesn’t have official opening hours, but you’re most likely to find the gates unlocked around mass times. See here for more information.

If you haven’t already guessed, this is where you can spot Dalat’s famous chicken statue – right at the top of the Cathedral’s tallest spire.

Lunch at Le Chalet

A little bit Communist retro, a little bit garden cafe, Le Chalet is an imaginative eatery with a nice menu of light Western and Vietnamese meals. The mural above the bar is very cute, and the whole place is decorated superbly.

Crazy House

You’ll spot the entrance to Dalat Crazy House (and probably a queue of people waiting to buy tickets) right across the road from Le Chalet.

Entrance costs 60,000 VND per person.

Once inside, you’re free to roam around the odd (and let’s face it, slightly hazardous) house, tracing its high walkways and popping in and out of cave-like nooks and windows.

There’s a small information centre at the start of the complex where you can read newspaper clippings pertaining to the house’s owner and history.

There are also guides around who are happy to have a casual chat.

Bao Dai Summer Palace III & Pasteur Institute

Onto more Dalat architecture, this time with a European twist. Built in the 1930s, the summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, is not your typical palace – it’s done in an Art Deco style, with curved walls and a funky interior colour palette.

Also known as Dinh III (house three), it’s just one in a series of royal residences constructed in Dalat to house Bao Dai’s library, office, rooms for hosting notable guests, and living quarters for the whole family.

Dinh III is set on a low grade hill above Dalat, walking distance from the Crazy House. You can go inside the palace (you’ll need to pay 40,000 VND for the honour) for a self-guided tour. Be warned that there isn’t much information available, so it helps to do a bit of reading before you go.

The palace is open from 7am until 5.30pm daily.

After you walk down the hill away from the palace, continue along Le Hong Phong and stop off at the Pasteur Institute. Another fine example of French architecture, this little slice of lemon delight is rather photogenic – although I don’t recommend getting your photo taken here, as it is a government building. Clandestine snaps through the bars of the front gate are much preferred.

Gift shopping at L’angfarm

Finish your first day in Dalat with a trip to L’angfarm. There are branches of this boutique all throughout the city (including one on the steps above the roundabout, and a few in the backpacker area).

Take your time browsing the range of edible treats and pick out a few things to bring home. Everything is labelled in English, and prices are very reasonable.

Dinner at Artist’s Alley

This restaurant used to be located in an alleyway but has since moved to a busy street. It lost some of its charm and character in the process – but the food is just as good as ever. I highly recommend both the French onion soup and avocado salad.

Day 2: Easy rider tour of Dalat

Breakfast at an cafe.

Sink your teeth into a super hearty breakfast at An Cafe, one of the eateries perched above Dalat’s main street and accessible by a staircase on the side of the road.

An Cafe also does a great flat white.

Explore the countryside around Dalat on an easy rider tour

After a heart-warming breakfast, it’s time to hit the wide open road. Spend the rest of your second day in Dalat exploring Lam Dong Province and the hills around the city.

The easiest way to see all of the places mentioned below on Day 2 is with an organised easy rider tour . If you’re not familiar with the concept, an easy rider tour involves hiring a bike and driver/guide for the day.

You sit pillion (as a passenger) on the back and get driven from place to place. It’s a great option if you want to experience the countryside but like us, you don’t drive.

There are a couple of tour providers in Dalat and a few different routes to choose from. We went with The Original Easy Riders Vietnam, a local Dalat company, and their Dalat Countryside itinerary.

We couldn’t have asked for better guides than Tim and Tom – two friends who are truly fantastic young men (and excellent drivers), They treated us to an awesome day.

The roads around Dalat are gently curved and in pretty good condition. As always, take care if you decide to drive yourself, and make sure you wear a helmet at all times.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake’s unusual, tree-branch shape looks most beautiful when viewed from above. The best vantage point is Robin Hill. There are a couple of lookout points marked on Google Maps.

If you have time, venture down to the lake’s edge to see the lake from a different angle. You can also take a boat out or partake in any one of a number of water sports.

Truc Lam Temple

Also located on Robin Hill, Truc Lam is a temple, a monastery and a meditation centre all rolled into one. The manicured flower gardens and grounds are kept beautiful by a team of monks who live on the premises.

As the name suggests, Truc Lam also welcomes guests for short and longer stays, where you can learn the art of Zen Buddhist meditation as part of a retreat program.

If you’re only stopping by for a quick visit, budget at least an hour to wander through the grounds and gardens.

Even on a rainy day, there is a magnetic draw to Truc Lam that tempts you to stay longer than planned.

K’Ho Villages

Further towards the outer fringes of Dalat, you’ll find small villages and communities belonging to the K’Ho and other ethnic minority groups. ‘Chicken Village’ (so called because of the giant chicken statue that occupies a vacant lot) is often frequented as part of day tours around Dalat.

I’m not a huge fan of dropping into model villages to see ‘how the locals live’. But I do love weaving, and I’ll jump at the chance to watch someone working a loom. Chi Dung, the K’Ho woman we met in Chicken Village, speaks perfect English and is very welcoming of guests. She’s also a weaving whiz!

Mushroom farms & coffee plantations

Agriculture is big business in Dalat, and most families have some sort of farming venture as their main source of income or a side hustle. As you drive through the countryside around Dalat, you’ll see farms of every stripe.

Coffee plantations are the most obvious and can be spotted from the roadside. We jumped out to take a look at a couple, picking an unripened berry here and there to see how it all works. Dalat’s mushroom farms are also worth noting.

An immense amount of produce can be grown in quite a small space, making it a pretty lucrative business. Once harvested, the mushrooms are dried and packaged for sale in China and elsewhere.

Silk factory

Dalat also has a thriving silk industry. We visited a silk factory on the outskirts of town to see how it’s all done.

Being the textile buff I am, I’ve visited silk farms and processing units all over the world – from Azerbaijan to Cambodia – but I’ve never seen anything on the scale of this factory in Dalat.

Everything is mechanised, so workers can produce vast quantities of fibre and thread. It was interesting to have a look around as a tourist, but it must be said that this didn’t look like the nicest place to work.

Elephant Waterfall

Dalat has a lot of natural beauty to admire. Elephant Waterfall, which lies 30km southwest of the city, is a popular excursion from the city. A pathway with a handrail has been constructed to make exploring the falls a little easier. Still, the walk to the bottom of the waterfall is pretty steep and hard going in places.

There are some pools at the base of the falls, but it’s far too powerful for swimming. I was astonished at the volume of water coming down the rock face and the force of the torrent. Wherever you go, a thick spray of water will follow. Don’t leave your raincoat on the back of the motorbike like I did!

Note that there’s a small restaurant near the waterfall if you want to stop here for lunch.

Linh An Pagoda

Just a short walk from Elephant Waterfall, Linh An Pagoda is a relatively new Buddhist temple that looks out over the falls and surrounding valleys. An even newer temple, with a huge tower, was being constructed nearby at the time of our visit.

There are a couple of impressive Buddhist statues inside the main part of Linh An Pagoda and outside on the temple grounds. I particularly like the oversized smiling Buddha.

After Linh An, hit the road again to finish your day back in Dalat city. If you visit all the places mentioned here at a leisurely pace, you’ll wind up covering about 110km in total, taking roughly 8 hours.

Back in Dalat, grab an easy dinner at the Dalat Night Market.

Day 3: Local Dalat

Coffee & breakfast at la viet.

Jump in a taxi and travel to the edge of town for La Viet. One of the chicest cafes in Dalat, it’s set in a warehouse and features long communal tables and an open coffee bar. La Viet roast their own beans on site – needless to say, they do a pretty decent cuppa.

Out back, there’s a gift shop where you can pick up bags of La Viet beans and grounds and other small souvenirs. Free short tours of the on-site roasting room are available on request and well setting aside 20 minutes of your time for.

Dalat Railway Station & Xuan Huong Lake

Dalat Railways Station is a local icon. The train for Trai Mat village departs from here, but most people just come to take photos of the station building and restored carriages out the back.

You’ll need to pay a small fee (around 10,000 VND) to enter the area.

One of the carriages has been transformed into a cafe. Sure, it’s an Instagram spectacle – but there’s also a lot of history behind this station and the train line. Refer back to my list of things to do in Dalat at the start of this post for more information.

Xuan Huong, the big lake at the centre of Dalat, is a short walk from the Railway Station. There are a couple of cute cafes along Yersin Street which you can stop at for a pick-me-up along the way.

Pedagogy College

The Pedagogy College (or teacher’s college), formerly the Lycee Yersin, is another spectacular French-era building in Dalat. On the weekends, the front courtyard is packed with young people snapping photos.

Famous past pupils of the Pedagogy College include Norodom Sihanouk, the former King of Cambodia. The College is an easy walk from the Railway Station.

Dalat French Quarter

Continue walking to Dalat’s French Quarter, an area scattered with colonial villas and mansion houses. Spread out along either side of a main road, there are some real gems to be discovered.

Many of the houses are abandoned, but a few are still in use.

Lunch at Biang Bistro

I really have saved the best until last! Biang Bistro was our favourite restaurant in Dalat – we enjoyed our lunch here so much, we went back for breakfast the next morning.

Every day, they run a lunch special which is HUGE and great value for money. Produce is super fresh, meals are imaginative, and the setting is gorgeous.

More things to do in Dalat

If you can drag yourself away from Biang Bistro (seriously, it is a lovely place to relax with a cinnamon latte and read for a few hours), spend your final afternoon in Dalat doing one of the following activities.

Any could easily be spun out into a full day to make this a 4-day Dalat itinerary.

Option 1: Dalat flower villages

Dalat’s lavender field opens its gates in the afternoon, but some of the other flower fields in the area, including Van Thanh Flower Village, are open from the early morning.

The blooms are the main attraction, and lots of people gather here to take photos.

Option 2: Trai Mat village

Unless you want to ‘chase the clouds’ – in which case it’s much better to visit in the early morning – late afternoon is an ideal time to visit Trai Mat village if you want to skip the crowds.

Check out the flower and tea fields, and make sure you visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Chùa Linh Phước), an impressive Chinese temple with an interior mosaic that’s famous throughout Vietnam.

Trai Mat is quite spread out so it’s best to go with your own transport or driver. To get there from Dalat, you can either ride the Plateau train, or drive about 7km east of the city.

Option 3: Visit a vineyard

There are at least a half-dozen vineyards dotted around Dalat’s hills. Why not spend an afternoon sampling the local wine? Dalat Beco Winery welcomes drop-in visitors for wine tasting and tours.

Option 4: Take a coffee tour

If the warehouse walk-around at La Viet and your drop-in visit to a coffee field whetted your appetite, there are more opportunities to get a deeper look at how coffee is grown in Dalat. K’Ho Coffee and La Viet both offer in-depth tours of their coffee farms outside the city centre.

Tours are usually full-day affairs, but you can chat to them about customising a half-day itinerary.

Option 5: Go canyoning

Some of the best experiences you can have in this part of Vietnam are outdoors, and there are loads of opportunities for adventure activities in Dalat, including canyoning and white water rafting .

You’ll need a whole day to do these justice – the perfect excuse to extend your stay and spend an extra night or two in Dalat!

Dalat travel FAQ

Now that you know what to do in Dalat, here are a few tips and hints for planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit Dalat?

Dalat is one of the few places in Vietnam that’s blessed with year-round cool temperatures. Winter (roughly November to February) can be very cold.

We visited Dalat in August (summer) and the weather was pleasant, if not a little bit rainy.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you should always carry a warm jacket and rain gear with you.

How many days in Dalat?

I recommend spending at least three full days in Dalat. If you enjoy cafes and cool weather – and especially if you’re at that point in your trip where you need to chill out for a bit –Dalat is a great place to relax.

You could easily add another one to three days to your Dalat itinerary and not run out of things to do (or cafes to visit!).

Only have one day in Dalat? Check out this short itinerary .

How to get to Dalat?

Dalat’s small airport is serviced by daily Viet Jet flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities in Vietnam. If you’re travelling overland, Dalat is roughly an 8-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, or 4 hours inland from Nha Trang.

Check the flight schedule and buy tickets online through Bookaway or find train/bus tickets on 12GoAsia .

How do I get around Dalat?

Dalat is a relatively small town so you can walk between most places. It does rain a lot, however, so it’s good to have a transport backup. Dalat has Grab (Vietnam’s answer to Uber), which is very easy to use, provided you have a local sim card . There are also taxis available in the main part of town.

If you’re venturing away from the centre, it pays to have your own transportation. Opt for an easy rider tour or else hire your own motorbike from one of the many shops in the city centre.

Have you been to Dalat? What are your favourite things to do in Dalat? Or if you haven’t visited yet, which of my recommendations would make it onto your Dalat itinerary?

Vietnam essentials

Here are the booking sites and services I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam .

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Vietnam using Skyscanner .

VIETNAM VISA: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Vietnam and apply for an expedited e-visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation if required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Pre-book a private hotel transfer from Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh City Airport via Get Your Guide.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Vietnam online before you go. My top choice is the Asia Link Regional eSIM by Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Vietnam on Agoda or book a Vietnam hostel .

TRAIN TICKETS: Reserve your Vietnam Rail tickets for the train to Sapa , Da Nang, Hue or Saigon via 12GoAsia.

BUS TICKETS: Buy your domestic bus or plane tickets in advance using 12GoAsia or Bookaway .

FOODIE EXPERIENCES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Vietnam on Cookly. Here are my top 15 Vietnam food experiences to help you decide.

DAY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Vietnam on Get Your Guide. Check out my top 10 best Vietnam day trips for more inspiration.

HALONG BAY: Consult my comprehensive Halong Bay guide to find the best cruises & tours.

VIETNAM GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Vietnam .

Dalat itinerary: Pin it & Share it

More Vietnam travel resources

• Off the beaten track in Northern Vietnam – hidden gems & local favourites
• Where to go in Southern Vietnam – 5 must-sees
• How to spend 3 days in Hoi An
• How to get from Danang to Hoi An – transport guide
• How to visit the abandoned dragon waterpark in Hue
• Where to buy authentic Vietnamese souvenirs in Hanoi
• The best national parks to visit in Vietnam – for trekking & more
• Waterwheels & rice fields in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
• Cycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Phong Nha
• Homestays in Da Bac village
• Halong Bay alternatives – where to go beyond the bay
• How to travel to Halong Bay from Hanoi – transport guide
• How to travel to Sapa from Hanoi – transport guide
• Where to stay in Sapa, Vietnam – best homestays & more
• Visiting Bac Ha Market near Sapa
• Guide to Ha Giang in far-northern Vietnam
• Guide to visiting Ninh Binh
• Exploring colonial architecture in Hai Phong city
• Day trip from Hanoi to Duong Lam Ancient Village

20 Comments

Thanks a lot for this post! I am visiting Dalat with my wife and this post is a bible of what to do with a great level of detail and such a variety of activities!

I have one question: we are interested in staying overnight for a Buddhist meditation retreat in Truc Lam monastery as an addition to our Dalat experience. Does anybody know how to contact the monastery to ask if we are welcome and agree on dates?

Thanks Alejandro for your comment. I don’t have those details but hopefully someone can chime in. Otherwise I would recommend getting in touch with a tour agent/hotel in Dalat. Enjoy!

I’m going to spend 3 nights in Dalat very soon and really can’t wait!

Quick question.. if I decide to stay in the city and do not drive a bike what’s the best option to get to Trai Mat for chasing the clouds experience?

Hi Karolina! Terrific!

There is a train to Trai Mat or you can take a taxi – it’s only a 15-minute drive.

Enjoy chasing the clouds!

Dalat is truly a paradise..!

It sure is! Thanks for reading my Dalat itinerary 🙂

Hi Emily. Yes, sure does seem like a paradise, which is why I wanted to move there as soon as things open back up (from what I gather, as of Jul 3 2020 Vietnam is pretty much still closed to foreign nationals for the most part).

Quick question – is air conditioning easily available for those that want it in apartments etc?I know this isn’t an issue in most other Vietnamese cities, but not sure about Dalat, since some of the hotels apparently dont have A/C. Of course, I’m not sure if the climate is so cool year around that it truly isn’t required!

I’m a polar bear in that regard FWIW. Hehe.

Honestly I have no idea. I assume AC would be standard in new apartments though!

Thanks for this piece on Dalat- much appreciated! I’m trying to decide which exact city to move to Vietnam after the COVID-19 scare is over (from what I hear, Vietnam is pretty much on lockdown now) and although I narrowed my choice down to Nha Trang, Da Nang and Dalat, Dalat seems to be what I’m looking for. I had a few questions in this regard and was wondering if you could provide any input –

– Is accomodation etc (Western style apartments) easy to find once one gets there, or is scouting around on Facebook etc recommended beforehand? I’m of the opinion that it’s best to get there and do a search via rental agents etc, but given it’s a smaller city, not sure … – Is the hiking all accessible from within the city i.e. within easy walking distance or so from apartments etc? I’m currently in mainland China, and enjoy hiking – which is one reason I’m leaning towards choosing Dalat, but don’t want to go out of the city every time I want to go to a nice park, or climb a hill … – I’m assuming the place is fairly Westernized in that there are convenience stores, supermarkets etc in town? Is Wifi access etc in apartments reliable (this last one is important since I work online)? – Is it better to stay in town, or the villages etc right next to the trails? Not sure how “developed” villages in Vietnam are – those in China usually have some sort of Wifi access and some alternative to convenience stores etc, but not sure about Dalat …

Any input would be much appreciated!

Best, Rahul

Thanks for your comment. I only visited Dalat as a tourist (I lived in Hanoi) so I’m afraid I don’t know the answers to your specific questions about expat life in Dalat.

I can tell you that WIFI is ubiquitous throughout Vietnam, certainly in the cities. There are supermarkets and convenience stores in Dalat, yes. I would probably recommend staying in the city (it’s still a small city compared to Hanoi or HCMC) if you want access to shops and restaurants.

I did a quick Google search for ‘expats in Da Lat’ and it turned up some results – I hope you can find more info in those forums.

Good luck with the move!

Thanks for your response Emily, and noted. What is Hanoi like in terms of the outdoors, hiking etc? No question about amenities etc there I know – pretty much everything available there, but not sure about the outdoors itself ..

Hanoi is huge very urban – combined with the traffic, you need to travel at least 1-2 hours to get out of the city. Poor air quality is a big issue in winter, too.

Hi again Emily, and thanks for replying. Yes, definitely not my cup of tea if I’d need to travel one-two hours for a decent hike or something – sounds like Dalat, or a smaller town is better in that regard! I’m currently in mainland China where I have easy access to hiking within the city (not sure if you’ve been to Dongguan or Shenzhen, or even Guangzhou where there’s hiking within the city itself), so am looking for something similar to that. I suppose Dalat is the closest one can get to that in Vietnam tho. Anyway, thanks again for the comments – much appreciated!

No worries at all, sorry I can’t be of more help! Danang and the Marble Mountains area would also be worth looking at. Best of luck!

It sounds like a must see city

I think it is!

I’m so impressed! I’ve always just thought of Da Lat as one of the several cacao-growing regions in southern Vietnam, but holy cow was I underestimating! One of my best friends is Vietnamese & living in Hanoi, and when I visit her again next year I’m insisting we head down south again and explore into Da Lat. So excited now!!

That’s awesome, Max! Glad to hear you’re thinking of visiting Dalat. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Let me know if there’s anything I can help with in planning for your trip. Enjoy!

And I’m sold! Beautiful photos and descriptions. Plus, as a cultural heritage geek, this is everything I want in my travel! Thanks for introducing me to yet another bucket list destination 🙂

You’re so welcome! Dalat is a top choice if you enjoy cultural heritage.

Thanks for your comment, Dagney!

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Da Lat: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary in the Vietnam Highlands

Set in the Southern Central Highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat is a beautiful mountain town known for its flowers, coffee, strawberries, and fresh air. Da Lat has so much to offer by the way of food, culture, scenery, and adventure, that it would be a shame if overlooked. I spent three days exploring this gorgeous part of the country, but if you were strapped for time, it’s possible to see and do most of what you’d like to in two.

THE PERFECT 3-DAY ITINERARY

In da lat, vietnam:, day #1: exploring da lat city.

If I have multiple days in a specific destination, I always like to take the first day to wander around and get a feel for the city. My day of wandering in Da Lat was nothing short of amazing. From trying every street food in sight to strolling along the picturesque Xuan Huong Lake to the beautiful Flower Park, my day couldn’t have been better. I couldn’t recommend a better first day in Da Lat than this!

Relax by Xuan Huong Lake

The Xuan Huong Lake was littered with paddle boats in the shape of swans slowly gliding through the water surrounded by beautiful gardens and children on school break flying kites. I was very impressed by how well taken care of the grounds and the lakes were and can see this as a perfect place for families to come on the weekend to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Around the lake, it’s also a hot spot for street food vendors. You will items like Da Lat Pizza, Bahn Mi, an assortment of pastries and much, much more.

If you’re familiar with me at all, you would have guessed by now that I indeed ate all of the above-mentioned foods while I was wandering.

Treat yourself to a Vietnamese coffee at Windmills Coffee

I then wandered into Windmills Coffee  which serves up all types of coffee and juices, but I opted for ca phe da, which is Vietnamese style coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice (so yummy!) They have really cute decor and also have great views of the Da Lat Market and the surrounding neighborhood.

Address: 133 Phan Đình Phùng, Phường 2, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Get a taste for the local flavor at Da Lat Market

Next I made my way to the Da Lat Market where I perused the countless stalls of food, clothes and other goods and ended up buying a pint of strawberries for about $1. Strawberries are a really common fruit in the area as the weather conditions are apparently perfect for growing! The market had so many fresh fruits and veggies that it was hard to scale back and not buy everything in sight!

Stroll through Da Lat Flower Park

I then took a 30 min stroll along the lake and landed at the Da Lat Flower Park. This was totally by accident, but what a great accident it was! The entrance fee was $1.50 (USD), and the park was filled with gorgeous flower gardens, fountains, and shrubs shaped into dragons.

It is definitely worth a look! After hours of perusing the countless different types of flower gardens, I retired to my hostel for the night, preparing for day two.

Day #2: Canyoning & Local Nightlife

Day two is the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your adventurous side and try out a new extreme sport: canyoning! After a super adventurous day trip visiting the nearby waterfalls, make a local friend and get to know the local flavors and local nightlife scene. That’s what I did and it’s a day I’ll never forget!

Adventure to nearby waterfalls on a Canyoning trip 

Around 8:15 am, Da Lat Canyoning Tours picked me up from my hostel and we headed into the mountains for our canyoning trip. This was my first time canyoning, and I was super excited to participate in a new type of adventure sport. An activity that involves hiking, cliff jumping, and rappelling down 25m waterfalls? –count me in.

The guide was AMAZING and so hilarious throughout the entire tour. He was super enthusiastic and although he put safety as the absolute number one, he also challenged everyone to push beyond their comfort zones and just have a blast with the whole experience. I couldn’t imagine having had gone with a better guide, and the equipment was top notch.

I heard that some companies try to cram as many people into the trip as possible and don’t use proper safety gear, but I can assure you that this company is legit. We only had 6 people in our group and that made waiting to go down each waterfall a lot shorter. It would have taken forever going with a bigger group!

After rappelling down a few dry cliffs, two waterfalls, cliff jumping, and floating down the river, the staff put out a spread of fresh fruit and all the fixings for a bahn mi, as well as tea, coffee, and beer (score). After lunch, we had a nice scenic drive back to town, and they dropped me off back at my hotel with still an entire afternoon to play with. The tour was a bit shorter than I would have liked, (I could have done that all day) but it was an A+ experience.

Eat like a local at Cha Ram Bap

Later that night, Jen, the receptionist from the hotel I was staying at, invited me and two others from the canyoning trip that were staying at the hotel out for an authentic Da Lat nightlife experience.

She took us to to Cha Ram Bap , where I tried one of Da Lat’s specialties, nem nuong. Nem nuong is a roll your own spring roll dish, using thin sheets of rice paper, a variety of herbs, pork, and fried sweet corn rolls, dipped in a thick peanut sauce. It is insanely delicious and is an absolute must while in the region!

Address:  62 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Experience the nightlife scene at B21Beer

After eating five (or 15, I don’t recall…) Jen took us to one of her favorite bars, B21Beer , where they had a live DJ, reasonably priced beer, and hookah. The music was great and the company, even better. I was so happy to have met Jen and her friend Hien; they showed me, Ale and Bianca an authentic weekend night out for a Vietnamese 20-something in Da Lat, and for that, I am so grateful.

Address: 68 Trương Công Định, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam

Day #3: Easy Rider Da Lat Countryside Tour

Now that you’ve explored the city, gotten a feel for local life, eaten every local food in sight, and tried a new extreme sport, day three is the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and see the beautiful highlands. This was definitely a highlight of my trip to Da Lat and is not to be missed.

Take an epic ride through the countryside on an Easy Rider Tour

The morning I arrived in Da Lat, a man named Philip approached me at the bus station and told me about the tour company he runs with some other guides. I took his card and ended up calling the next day to book a one day Da Lat countryside tour. As promised, an Easy Rider guide picked me up at 8:30 am, and we made our way towards the countryside.

Stop #1 on the Easy Rider Tour: Chua Linh Quang

Our first stop was at the Chua Linh Quang, the oldest Pagoda in Da Lat. It was decorated with ornate and incredibly colorful sculptures both inside and outside of the pagoda. The most notable sculpture was the giant dragon surrounded by bright flowers and perfectly maintained shrubbery.

Next, we rode through the winding roads in the rolling hills of Da Lat. It was a gorgeous ride with incredible views of acres and acres of vegetable farms.

Stop #2 on the Easy Rider Tour: Vietnamese Coffee Plantation

The coffee plantation specialized in weasel coffee, a Vietnamese traditional coffee where coffee farmers harvest the beans from weasel poo. No, I am not making that up. Apparently back in the day, weasels well, weaseled their way onto to coffee farms and had a particular appetite for coffee beans. Once the farmers realized where their crop was disappearing to, they captured the weasels and waited for them to digest their precious crop.

When they cleaned it off and made coffee with it, they noticed that the coffee had a new flavor to it that they really liked. Fast forward to today, and now they purposely use weasels to harvest this coffee. Yes, I did try this coffee and it was…strong. The scenery from the deck of the café was beautiful, but I was a bit turned off by all of the caged weasels. It made me sad to think that they are now forced to eat coffee beans.

Stop #3 on the Easy Rider Tour: Silk Factory

The silk factory was an interesting stop, as I had never really thought about how silk was made before. I was shocked to see how many workers there were as well as the sheer number of silkworms needed to create silk.

Watching the workers pull out the massive silkworms as they spun the silk was quite a gross process, but an interesting thing to see for sure.

Stop #4 on the Easy Rider Tour: Happy Buddha Monastery

This Monastery was very much off the beaten path and was quite a ways out of town, so unless you’re with someone who knows where they’re going, there’s no way you’re going to find it! It was instantly peaceful upon stepping onto the grounds of The Happy Buddha Monastery, and the grounds themselves were beautiful.

I was most excited to see monks dressed in the traditional orange robes walking out of the Monastery, carrying on with their day in however monks do! It was my first time seeing monks in person and it reminded me of how exciting it was to be in a completely new place.

Stop #5 on the Easy Rider Tour: Elephant Waterfall

One of the last stops was to Elephant Waterfall, which was certainly more touristy than I expected, but is definitely still worth a visit. The stairs going down are extremely slippery, so I wouldn’t advise anyone who isn’t sturdy on their feet to attempt this climb! The slippery stone stairs wind down to a few different viewpoints and some secret caves where you can get drenched with the force of the waterfall above! I wandered a little off the path and found a perfect rock to sit and relax on. I even saw some local fisherman swimming in the river below manually casting nets in hopes of catching some dinner.

Recommendations for booking an Easy Rider Tour:

Although my guide brought me to all of the places promised on the tour, he was less than enthusiastic and only gave me a very short briefing on each place we stopped. He would tell me a sentence or two about each place and then would tell me to go on my own and he would wait for me. I was definitely hoping to learn more, and it was disappointing that when we stopped for lunch and I attempted to make conversation with him, he gave me one-word answers and played on his phone.

Since all the tours pretty much take you to the same places, I ran into another tour guide, Hai Nguyen, along the way who got off of the bike and went to each destination with his customers and explained in detail about each place. I ended up running into him later in the evening when we were both catching a bus at the bus station, and he helped me get the right bus and even helped me order dinner at the rest stop later on! He was an incredibly helpful man, and I wish I had met him earlier because I absolutely would have gone on a tour with him instead.

Hai’s tour company is Ocean Easyrider Tour Vietnam , and you can reach him via Facebook or by email at [email protected] .  Despite my lackluster guide, I still had a great tour and was happy I got to see so much of the Da Lat countryside.

How to Get to Da Lat

By overnight bus.

I took the Futa Bus Lines night bus from Ho Chi Minh City at midnight and arrived at the Da Lat bus station by 6 am. The trip was advertised as a 7-hour journey, but we must have had a fast driver… The bus costs less than $10 USD and was actually quite comfortable. They make a few bathroom breaks throughout the night, but most people just slept through. Besides the excessive use of the bus horn (very typical Vietnamese driving), it was not so bad, and I would absolutely recommend taking the night bus over taking a flight. It’s quick, easy, and super cheap.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Indigo home.

My first night, I stayed at Indigo Home , which was recommended by a friend, and it was really cute. It was decorated so beautifully and was tucked away far from any sort of touristy areas. So tucked away in fact, that it took me about an hour of wandering around to find! At only $5 a night for a dorm style room, it’s hard to beat.

Address: 1, 2 Khởi Nghĩa Bắc Sơn, Phường 10, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Hotel Dang Uyen

Looking to continue your journey in vietnam why don’t you head to the lantern strung streets of hoi an next, or maybe da nang, home to the dragon bridge .

I’m Lauren, an award-nominated blogger from Massachusetts on a mission to debunk the myth that the world is a scary and dangerous place for female travelers…starting with Colombia! 29 countries, across 5 continents later, I now call Bogotá, Colombia home after visiting on and off for the past 4.5 years, and am here to show you all the beautiful travel experiences you can have not only here in Colombia, but in destinations across the world!

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22 comments

Good stuff. Thanks

Only issue is the font, very stressful for eyes.

Lauren Mae Pelkey

Hi JR! I’m so happy to hear that you found the blog post useful. And taking your feedback into consideration, I have changed the font so that it is easier to read. Please let me know what you think about the change. Thanks again for your honest opinion, as that is what helps continue to make Wanderluluu a better site!

Park Bae Yeng

OMG! This post made me want to go to Dalat right away! I do have a friend that is teaching English there so free housing for me. This inspires me to go for sure! I was nervous at first because I dont know what to see or do in Dalat all by myself, but after reading this, there are plenty to do! Do you recommend going for only 3 days? I have been to Vietnam and wouldn’t want to visit the bigger cities again so any other cities I should see?

I am thrilled to hear this post was helpful for you and has inspired you to make the trip! I found 3 days to be enough, but I’m sure you could go for 4 and still find plenty to do. For smaller cities, I would recommend Da Nang and Hue for SURE. Have you been to Hoi An? That’s a lot more touristy but still beautiful. What about Sa Pa north of Hanoi?! That is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! I have blog posts about all of this under Destinations>Southeast Asia>Vietnam if you want to have a read!

What bus company did you use? I’ve heard horror stories :(( Gigi x

Hi Gigi! I took Futa Bus Lines and had an okay experience. The bus journey is certainly not for everyone…drivers are typically fast, there are lots of winding turns, the drivers honk constantly (the norm in Vietnam), almost no one speaks English, and sometimes the bus will just pull off to make a bathroom break in the middle of nowhere (meaning no toilets…) I had anticipated a drive like this, so for me, it was fine. It only costs $10 and I didn’t lose any time traveling by using this system. If you don’t feel comfortable with this journey, you can always look into flights to Lien Khuong Airport which is about 30 km south of Da Lat. Let me know if I can help answer any other questions! xx

Just found your site on internet. It is very interesting. Thank you for sharing with us! http://adventurejourney.vn/

Hey Hung! Thank you for the kind words – I am so happy you are enjoying the content. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see on here. Happy Travels 🙂

Hai ( Ocean )

Really happy to see our facebook fanpage and our tour address on your site. Ocean was really appreciate to be yourfriend. Hope to do with you one day. Tks for sharing with us. http://www.oceaneasyridertours.com

Hey Hai! No problem – I am happy to include your tour information, as you were so helpful during my visit! I hope that I can come back to Vietnam and visit again soon! All the best 🙂

Mr Ocean Easyrider Tour ( Hai Nguyen)

Why not !. If you come back , i will invite the long trip tour . 3 days trip to Nha Trang or 6 days trip for free. I am very happy to be your partner.

I look forward to it!!

Hi!! Thanks for the post. Really made me want to follow your footsteps. I’m finding it a bit hard to find the exact locations on the map and since I’ll be driving my own motorcycle, I was wondering if you might have the points on a map, especially of the 3rd day. Thanks a lot! Idan

Hey Idan! So happy to hear you found the post helpful and that you want to follow the 3-day itinerary! I wish I could help you out with the exact map locations for the destinations on day 3, but I was on a guided tour so I really don’t have the exact locations! I would highly recommend reaching out to my friend Hai- he’s a local guide and knows the area like the back of his hand. You may want to hire him as your guide – you could even ride your own bike. But even if you don’t want to hire him as a guide – he may be able to help you out with searchable map locations!! Here is his email: [email protected] . Let me know how it goes!

The best Vietnamese coffee and tea comes from Da Lat. It is worth going there to try it out 🙂

Hey Greg – So happy you enjoyed it! I agree – such great coffee & tea!!

vietnamvisa.cheap

We just returned from our Vietnam vacation, and we chose to spend 2 days in Vietnam based almost entirely on your description. We followed your suggested itinerary and it proved to be one of the best of our entire trip. Thank you!

This makes me smile so big!!! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary and that it was a highlight of your trip. Can’t tell you how happy I am to get this feedback 🙂

I might just follow your itinerary in Dalat:) Thanks for sharing:)

Hi Mario! Oh please let me know if you do and if you like it!!!

Buiduccuong

My family is gonna prepare for a trip to Dalat, so I read carefully your sharing. Thanks for your detail about that. I hope we will also have great feeling that you did. Wish you have great adventures like that.

I am so happy to hear that this post helped! I hope you had a nice (and safe!) time!

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I’m Lauren, an award-nominated blogger and children's author from Massachusetts on a mission to debunk the myth that the world is a scary and dangerous place for female travelers…especially Colombia! 30+ countries, across 5 continents later, I now call Bogotá, Colombia home after visiting on and off for the past several years, and am here to show you all the beautiful travel experiences you can have not only here in Colombia, but in destinations across the world!

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3D2N Da Lat Itinerary — A Magical Alpine Adventure in Southern Vietnam

Explore this European-esque city tucked between the central highlands of Southern Vietnam — with aircon weather to boot!

Da Lat is known for being many things — the City of Love, of Eternal Spring, of Flowers, of Pine Trees, of Poetry… not the credentials typically associated with Southeast Asian destinations. Fascinated, we set off to explore with high expectations and an open mind.

Having only been to Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre, I’ve always considered Southern Vietnam to be a land of vast tropical jungles, motorcycle-lined streets, and the infamous sweltering humidity.

I couldn’t be more wrong.

So if you’re looking for a short weekend getaway filled with stunning views and eclectic art, here’s a three-day Da Lat itinerary, where you’ll explore one of the dreamiest Southern Vietnam towns.

Read also: 15 Pho-nomenal Experiences You Must Add to Your Northern Vietnam Itinerary — Halong Bay, Hanoi and Sapa

Pre-trip Essentials

– Digital Vaccination Certificate — download via Notarise – Travel insurance — min. coverage of US$10,000 (~S$14,000) for Covid-19-related medical treatment – 4G SIM Card with unlimited data — pre-book and collect at Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport – Airport transfer — pick up from Da Lat’s Lien Khuong Airport to your accommodation

How to Get to Da Lat?

Da Lat is pretty accessible from several cities in Southern Vietnam, with private charters and buses being popular options. But from Singapore, the most straightforward route would be to take one of the following options from Ho Chih Minh city:

Flight: one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Lien Khuong Airport, return tickets from ~S$67

Bus: 6–8 hour sleeper buses depart for Da Lat daily from ~S$16 . To maximise time, take an overnight bus so you have a full day upon arrival!

Private charter : For more flexibility in pick-up time and location, book a private charter from ~S$210 one-way

* Pro-tip: The best time to visit Da Lat is between December to March when the average rainfall is at its lowest.

Day 1: Arrival and Adventure in Da Lat

Check in to your da lat accommodation — crazy house.

One of the most unique attractions to visit in Da Lat is Crazy House , which is also a guesthouse. Intrigued by the outrageous concept, we decided that the best way to kick-start the trip was to spend the night here!

Photo credit: Crazy House

The building looks right out of Hansel and Gretel, with winding staircases leading to secret alcoves and the roof. Its eccentric architecture is the brainchild of Vietnamese artist Dang Viet Nga, who felt so inspired after visiting Da Lat that she created this fantastical guesthouse. Her design process and sketches can be found on display upon entering the compound.

We opted for the cosy Bamboo Room as it was the tamest out of all the options but even that felt creepy at night — yes, we’re scaredy cats. Fo r the braver souls, the animal-themed guestrooms are what Crazy House is known for. No two rooms are alike and the central animal statues are a cross between adorable and terrifying.

The house is also open to the public and unoccupied rooms are open to peer into. The house has several themed common areas such as an aquatic room and visitors are encouraged to roam around twisting stairs. So even if you don’t stay there, you can still drop by to check it out!

Entrance fee: from 20,000₫ (~S$1.20/pax), price varies on your height Cost of stay: From ~S$42/night Opening hours: 8:30AM – 7PM Address: 03 Đ. Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66115, Vietnam

Datanla High Rope Course and New Alpine Coaster

If you think alpine forest adventures can only be found in Switzerland , think again.

Da Lat is surrounded by lush pine forests — making it nature’s playground. Unleash your inner child with the Datanla High Rope Course , a high elements obstacle course that’s built into the forest.

There are seven levels of difficulty to choose from so it depends on your appetite for adventure.

As someone who is okay with heights, I was surprised to find out that we have to complete it by ourselves — including clipping the hooks onto the line!

I triple-checked the safety out of paranoia before every zipline and had a case of jelly legs. Looking back, the satisfaction of completing the course and flying through the air is unparalleled.

Walk up the main road and you’ll find the entrance to the Datanla New Alpine Coaster on the left. It’s the longest roller coaster trail in Asia, spanning 2.4km, and takes about 4 mins to complete at full speed! The speed can be controlled by the rider in the back seat so you can decide how much of a daredevil you want to be.

As a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, rocketing down at wind speed really had my heart racing in the best way! I was gripping the brakes at every sharp turn but thankfully, I managed to refrain from pulling it. 😬

After screaming your lungs out, there will be a mid-point stop where you have to get off the coaster tracks and switch carts. Here, you can choose to spend some time admiring the gorgeous Datanla Waterfall . With multiple legends and lore surrounding the falls, it has become known by locals as the ‘Meeting Place of Lovers’.

While zero lovers were found 😔, it’s a lovely photo stop to snap pictures before you complete the rest of the coaster trail!

Cost: ~S$27.10/pax for both attractions Opening hours: 8AM – 4PM, last entry at 1:45PM (High Rope Course); 7AM – 5PM, last entry at 4:30PM (Datanla New Alpine) Address: 01 Lê Đại Hành, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Dinner at Da Lat Night Market

Exploring night markets are a must-do in Vietnam and the Da Lat Night Market is the best place for shopping and grabbing a bite. Put your bargaining skills to the test on the retail side of the market, where outerwear and knitwear are sold. My favourite purchase is a hand-knitted chicken beanie I copped for 100,000₫ (~S$6)

As for food, one of Da Lat’s most popular dishes is the Vietnamese Pizza. Grilled on the spot over a fire, it consists of rice paper, eggs, ham, dried shrimp, sweet chilli, and mayo — all for 25,000₫/piece!

Da Lat is also known for its many strawberry farms so you will find affordable fresh strawberries sold everywhere in the market. There are also stalls selling boxed strawberries you can take home as souvenirs.

Opening hours: 6PM – 7AM Address: 6b Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 690000, Vietnam

* Pro-tip : Eat strawberries the local way w ith a combination of fish sauce and shrimp powder!

Imagine a haunted-house-slash-escape room where every corner is carved and painted in a bizarre and unique style. A lso known as the 100 Roof Cafe , this unsuspecting bar is actually home to a huge labyrint h of themed floors and quirky decor — r eminiscent of the Crazy House.

Photo credits: Maze Bar

The objective is to explore the different rooms and find your way to the secret garden on the roof. There are some areas that might require you to crouch down and enter, so if you’re vertically blessed remember to watch your head!

*Note: There won’t be any staff stationed within the maze so you have to find the way out!

There is no entry charge but you’ll need to order a drink before you enter. We ordered the Mojito (60,000₫) and the Whiskey Coke (70,000₫) before descending into the basement to start.

Wandering around the caverns transports you into an alternate universe. There are also plenty of seats on each floor to lounge and take break s. We spent a good 30 mins finding our way through the different floors before relishing our success on the roof.

Opening hours: 2:30PM – 11PM Address: 57 Phan Bội Châu, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Day 2: Exploring Central Da Lat

Lang biang mountain.

A great hiking spot here is Lang Biang Mountain , also known as the ‘Roof of Da Lat’ as it’s the tallest mountain in the ar ea. The trail leading to the peak begins right before the entrance gate. Take a right and you’ll find a dirt path leading into the forest. The 4.5 km trek takes under two hours to complete and entry costs ~20,000₫/pax.

Alternatively, you can reach the peak within 15 minutes from the entrance by taking a two-way jeep shuttle (100,000₫/pax). Shuttles typically wait till passengers fill the six seats before making an ascent.

*Pro-tip: If you’re in a rush and there are less than 6pax, you can opt to pay the extra difference for a shorter shuttle waiting time.

Once at the peak, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Da Lat’s valley and its surrounding highlands. Photo-ops with live falcons, horses, and viewing points are widely available at an extra cost.

There are also souvenir shops and cafes located there for some shopping or snacks before heading down.

Entrance fee : 50,000₫ (~S$3/pax) Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM Address: 2CWR+M3W, Thị trấn Lạc Dương, Lạc Dương, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

*Pro-tip: Arrive before 9AM to beat the tour bus crowds!

Da Lat Flower Park

Da Lat is also known as the City of Eternal Spring — probably because it’s home to 300 different flower species! Carve out some time in your Da Lat itinerary to drop by and admire the beautiful blooms.

Da Lat Flower Park is also home to multiple greenhouses, a bonsai garden, and a large lake, it’s easy to get lost among the sprawling 7,000m² grounds!

The park also has many romantic p hoto spots adding to D a Lat’s dreamy charm.

Entrance fee: 70,000₫ (~S$4.15/pax) Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM Address: 02 Đ. Trần Nhân Tông, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Read also:   Ultimate Southern Vietnam Guide — 13 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Mui Ne

Coffee Break at Cabin in the Woods

A Da Lat local recommended this hidden gem, so we had to drop in for a caffeine fix.

Located down a narrow dirt road, we were surprised to find a charming cafe tucked behind a corner. We recommend sitting on the deck at Cabin in the Woods as the view is absolutely gorgeous, really taking ‘al-fresco’ dining to the next level.

We tried The Cabin Coffee (65,000₫) and Tra Vai Hoa Nhai (60,000₫) which is an Iced Lychee Tea, recharging us after a long day of sightseeing.

While admiring the view, we were joined by a few furry friends 🐕 — who gave us puppy-dog eyes while eyeing our food. Hearts were weakened and a few pieces of hot dogs were gladly sacrificed.

As the food menu is limited, this cafe would better suit those looking for a light bite before heading off to their next location. Nonetheless , it’s s till a great place for a mid-day caffeine refuel!

Cost:  From 50,000₫ (~S$2.95) Opening hours: 7AM – 8PM Address: 2 Đường Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

*Pro-tip : Renting a scooter or taking a Grab bike will make it more convenient to reach the cafe as the road is extremely narrow.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

One of the most beautiful and artistically crafted temples we encountered in Da Lat is the Linh Phuoc Pagoda . The grounds are split into different sections, dedicated to the Buddha and the Goddess of Mercy.

Completely covered in glass, ceramic, and porcelain pieces, this Buddhist temple’s colourful style might also remind you of Gaudi’s mosaics in Barcelona .

Also known as the Dragon Pagoda, the grounds is home to a 49m-long dragon sculpture that is covered in recycled beer bottles from Hoi An!

There’s also an entire basement dedicated to the 18 Levels of Hell, similar to Singapore’s Haw Par Villa, but an underground version without the Tiger Balm branding 🤪

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM Address: Trai Mat, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Sunset at Cafe Túi Mơ To

Cafe Tui Mo To is a crowd’s favourite and overlooks Da Lat city. Only a 10-minute drive away from Linh Phuoc Pagoda, the compound is adorned with fairy lights and daisy bushes. The laid-back atmosphere of the cafe made it a relaxing way to end a long day of sightseeing.

The cafe has a variety of artisanal drinks and desserts to choose from 45,000₫. We tried the hot cacao (60,000₫) and the iced tra vai cam d au , a sweet lychee tea ( 65,000₫), which was refreshing after a long day exploring Da Lat.

There are multiple seating options, with each room having a different vibe. The indoor greenhouse room holds a certain tranquillity, so much so that we spotted a sleeping customer!

Cost:  From 45,000₫ (~S$2.65) Opening hours: 7:45AM – 9:45PM (Mon – Sat), 7:45AM – 10PM (Sun) Address: hẻm 31 Sào Nam, Phường 11, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66118, Vietnam

*Pro-tip: Arrive before 4:30PM to snag the better seats as it gets crowded during sunset.

Day 3: Da Lat’s Tranquil Nature

Kayaking tour at tuyền lâm lake.

This day begins at 5AM because we’ll be catching the sunrise at Tuyền Lâm Lake on a kayak! We decided to go for t he earliest slot, which made us the first o nes on the lake — even before the fishing boats!

The early morning surprised us with still waters that reflected the entire sky and we barely broke a sweat while paddling the boat. Our eyes were blessed with misty mountains and we were dazzled by how quiet and peaceful the lake was. We spent an hour exploring the lake on our own before our guide led us to the next stop.

*Pro-tip: Pack a waterproof windbreaker to stay warm throughout the tour as it gets quite chilly in the morning.

We took a mid-way pit stop at Lux Camp Da Lat , where we enjoyed instant noodles and a steaming cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee. Despite feeling freezing cold in the forest (my bottoms were soaked), it felt like we were the only people to exist in this corner of the universe — a core memory for sure!

Cost: ~S$22.50/pax for 3hr Kayak Tour Tour timings: 5AM, 8AM, 2:30PM Meeting point: Hoa Cam Tu Cau, Ward 3, Da Lat, Vietnam

*Note: A round-trip transfer can be arranged with directly the operator for S$50.

Pongour Waterfall

Photo credit: @indrawuphoto via Instagram

Pongour Waterfalls ha s earned the title of being one of the most beautiful attractions in Southern Vietnam and it’s not hard to see why.

Known as the Seven Cascading Waterfalls, Pongour is made of seven-tiered rock terraces that cause the flowing water to have a silky-like illusion. Located 1.5 hours outside Da Lat city centre, we suggest hiring a private charter or renting a scooter to chase these magnificent waterfalls.

Entrance fee: 20,000₫ (~S$1.15/pax) Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM Address: Đức Trọng District, Lam Dong, Vietnam

* Pro-tip : The weather can get quite warm in the afternoo n so take a dip and swim und er one of the smaller falls!

Coffee at CỘI kissa

Stepping foot into CỘI kissa , we were instantly transported into the roaring twenties. The jazz-themed cafe has vintage furniture and a turntable playing music in the corner, creating a cosy yet nostalgic atmosphere.

And of course, we couldn’t leave Da Lat without trying Vietnamese egg coffee (6 5,000₫). While originally a Northern Vietnam delicacy, it’s also popular among locals in the So uth for it s smooth and creamy texture.

The cafe also serves fusion dishes like tomyum pasta (190,000₫) and mini beef tacos (240,000₫), making it a trendy lunch spot in town.

Bonus: CỘI kissa also shares the building with a speakeasy, a barber shop, and a tattoo parlour so if you’re looking for a haircut or to get a tattoo, this is the place to go.

Cost: From 40,000₫ (~S$2.36) Opening hours: 8AM – 10:30PM Address: 69 Đường Trương Công Định, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam

Getting around Da Lat

Public transport isn’t very accessible in Da Lat so here are some alternatives to ensure your itinerary runs smoothly.

Grab:  This option is the most convenient and affordable option. An average trip of 10 mins costs around 25,000₫ (~S$1.50)

Car charter: Grab isn’t as readily available outside the city centre. Thus, we hired a private car for the day to take us to areas out of the city. We opted for the 8-hour service but an additional surcharge is available for 100,000₫/hour.

Scooter rentals: available at ~S$7/day and is useful for weaving through the narrow alleys.

The three days spent exploring Da Lat felt nothing short of a fairytale adventure and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Da Lat really is an underrated city with hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.

A personal favourite was the sunrise kayak at Lake Tuyen Lam. As someone who only wakes up after the sun is high up in the sky, I didn’t expect to feel so recharged by the breathtaking view.🤩 Da Lat also unearthed my love of quirky things. From chicken hats to fishes with glowing red eyes, I fully embraced Da Lat for all its eccentricity.

After all, it’s part of its charm, isn’t it?

Planning your Vietnam itinerary? Check out these guides and itineraries from other parts of Vietnam: – 7-Day Southern Vietnam Itinerary Under S$900 — Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat – 9 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City — A Less Touristy HCM Guide – 7-Day Southern Vietnam Itinerary Under S$900 — Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat – Southern Vietnam Food Guide — 17 Best Places to Eat at Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc

Are there any other places you’d add to this Da Lat itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel inspiration!

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14 INCREDIBLE Things to do in Dalat, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 23, 2024

The best things to do in Dalat, Vietnam, written by an expert!

Sandwiched between the rugged, forested landscape of Southern Vietnam lies the small, yet charming city of Dalat (Also commonly spelled Da Lat).

Da Lat is the capital of the Lâm Đồng Province in Vietnam’s Highlands.   

Dalat means different things to different people. The city has made a name for itself as Vietnam’s premier couples destination. 

But there’s much more to Dalat than that.

Adventure addicts know the city for its gut-dropping cliff jumps, canyoning, water rafting, and mountain biking. 

Some people don’t care about romance or adventures. Rather they retreat to Dalat for a little luxury and as a safe haven from the brutal heat. 

While others immerse themselves in the local culture, which boots some of the most welcoming locals anywhere in the world.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Vietnam using our Vietnam Travel Guide .

(Seriously, I was greeted with welcoming hugs from my hostel owner, but also from a shop owner.)   

Oh, did I forget to mention that Da Lat treats intrepid travellers to dramatic views of the indelibly wild and untamed landscape?

And speckled throughout the surrounding nearby forest are gushing streams, turbulent waterfalls, and hiking trails.

All this makes Dalat a perfect stop for anyone and everyone travelling Vietnam.

Table of Contents

1) Try Canyoning Down A Waterfall

2) hike lang biang mountain, 3) be mesmerized at the crazy house, 4) visit linh phuoc pagoda, 5) wander around the lake of sighs (ho than tho lake), 6) be inspired at bao dai, 7) enjoy the views at 100 roofs cafe, 8) let your artsy side be inspired hiking the clay tunnel, 9) enjoy the truc lam pagoda, 10) stand in awe of the elephant waterfalls , 11) get the adrenaline pumping while white water rafting,  12) enjoy dantanla waterfalls , 13) hike anywhere and everywhere, 14) spend the afternoon at a lake, wrapping up what to do in dalat, the best things to do in dalat.

 Let’s take a look at some of the 14 best things to do in Dalat. 

Those seeking a hit of adrenaline will want to make canyoning a priority. 

Canyoning through the forest in Dalat is unlike anywhere else in the world. 

You’ll spend an unforgettable day abseiling down a massive cliff. As well as two waterfalls – including a 25-meter high waterfall, the biggest in the area.

You’ll also slide down nature-made waterslides, do a cliff jump, and sit down for a meal with a local family.

Luckily there’s no shortage of options when it comes to canyoning tours in Dalat.

Those who don’t want to spend their day jumping off cliffs, or rappelling off of waterfalls should head to Land Biang Mountain.

This scenic viewpoint treats you to a front-row seat of the unparalleled beauty of the Vietnamese highlands. 

At the top, over 7,000 feet above sea level, the scenery unfolds out, past fields of wildflowers.

The expansive view takes in the brooding summits of far off mountains, resting on the horizon.

In the valley below are endless miles of grassy balds, large fields, and still lakes. It’s a remarkable sight. 

If Antoni Gaudi lived in a fairytale world, he’d have built something like Crazy House .

This massive complex is full of strange rooms, otherworldly architecture, and elaborate – albeit sometimes creepy – interiors. 

Walking through the Crazy House, you’ll feel like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole.

There are eerie rooms where visitors are watched by a red-eyed kangaroo and seemingly endless mazes of narrow passageways and stairs.

The whole place is bizarre.

The Crazy House was the brainchild of architect Dang Viet Nga.

No words can truly express the Crazy House, but it’s worth visiting and has become of the top thing to do in Dalat. 

READ MORE: 8 Must-Do Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City .

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is not only the most famous temple in Da Lat, but it’s one of the most well-known temples in Vietnam.

Every inch of this shrine is covered in ineffable mosaics featuring the history of the Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutras.

Cascading down the ceilings and walls are countless thousands of broken terracotta, glass, and porcelain pieces, coming together to form colourful mythical creatures.

The most notable feature of the Linh Phuoc Pagoda is the tower.

It’s the tallest bell tower like it in Vietnam and looms over the rest of the city, soaring at the lofty height of 37 meters.

From the vibrant mosaics to the colossal tower, there’s little doubt that this is one of the most beautiful Buddhist shrines in the world.

Located east of Da Lat is the famous – or infamous, depending on who you are – Lake of Sighs.

This still lake’s awash in local myths, legends, and… irony. 

The most famous legend surrounding the lake tells the tragic tale of Hoang Tung and Mai Nuong.

The couple visited the lake to pledge their love and say goodbye before Hoang Tung went off to battle.

When the news came that Hoang Tung was killed in battle, Mai Nuong, overcome with grief, threw herself in the lake and drowned. 

Ironically, the Lake of Sighs is one of the most popular things to do in Dalat for couples.

There are small boats for hire. Lakeside horseback rides and scenic places to have a picnic.

Bao Dai is the summer home of the last emperor of Vietnam, who often retreated to Dalat to escape the brutal heat raging through other parts of the country.

The house has extensive flower gardens that feature hundreds of native, as well as rare exotic plants.

These gardens have earned Dalat the nickname “the city of flowers.”

Today you can tour the home, including the emperor’s working space, living quarters, and bedrooms.

This gigantic “house” is over 80 years old. However, the locals kept it like it would have been when the emperor visited. 

And it’s a good place to visit if you’re interested in seeing how royalty would have spent their vacations.

If Crazy House didn’t adequately fill your crazy quota, then head down the street to the nearby 100 Roofs Cafe.

This spacious cafe is another unmappable labyrinth of small tunnels, narrow hallways, and uneven staircases. 

While the over-arching theme resembles a forest, each room, passageway, dead-end, and outdoor opening features odd trinkets and nick-knacks.

Fumble through this otherworldly maze long enough and you’ll find yourself on the roof, and treated to a great view of the city. 

While 100 Roofs is a cafe – in the sense that they serve coffee – most of the patrons come here to sip something stronger.

This “cafe” has become popular among backpackers who flock here with their newly founded hostel mates to have some drinks and run around the café.   

READ MORE: Be sure to add these 5 Awesome things to do in Da Nang !

After reading about Crazy House and 100 Roofs Cafe, it’s obvious that there’s a quirky, artsy vibe that’s taken over Da Lat.

Clay Tunnel is another of Dalat’s strange attractions – albeit rather normal considering the former two. 

Clay Tunnel is every artist’s dream, and a fun hike. It’s a nine-mile-long path, lined with expertly sculpted clay pieces. 

The size and scope of these sculptures boggle the mind.

The pieces are a reimagining of animals like elephants, oversized motorbikes, even the city’s history. All are sculpted into intricate clay structures.

Each work of art is made from dark red clay native to the highlands of Vietnam.

This park was brought to life by Trinh Thai Dung, who moved to the area to open an unusual tourist attraction. I’d say he hit the nail on the head! 

This Zen Buddhist monastery sitting on the top of Phoenix Mountain is best reached by via the Dalat Cable Car and lies around five kilometres south of the city centre.

The Truc Lam Pagoda compound is surrounded by thick forest, flowers, and vegetation, making for a serene, tranquil experience.  

Where Linh Phuoc Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in the city, Truc Lam Pagoda is the largest.

The Truc Lam temple grounds cover almost 25 hectares, much of which are gardens and forests.

The buildings scattered around the complex showcase gorgeous, traditional Asian architecture. 

Monks live in the complex and are wandering around, going about their daily routines and rituals.

Visiting Truc Lam Pagoda is one thing to do in Dalat that’s good for the soul and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dalat.

Elephant Waterfalls, also known as That Voi, aren’t the easiest attraction around Dalat to get to.

These falls, named because they resemble an elephant head, live up to their name. They are an impressive sight as the water gushes down the cliffside in droves before you. 

Elephant Falls are a good option if you have no interest in Dalat’s canyoning, but still want to see waterfalls.

To reach the falls some hiking is required so good shoes are recommended. You can reach the falls by car, motorbike, or city bus, and it shouldn’t be missed when wondering what to do in Dalat.

And while it’s tricky to reach the falls, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions when you visit Dalat, so the effort is worth it.

Another notable adventure in Dalat takes you through wild rapids, up close to gushing waterfalls, and gives you a front-row seat to the rural landscape of Southern Vietnam. 

White water rafting in Dalat has become one of the area’s most popular experiences.

With the help of your guide and fellow steerers, you’ll make your way through over 10 class II and III rapids.

Of course, for safety reasons, the only way to experience the untamed waters is via a tour. 

The majority of the tours last 3-4 hours, take you down 10 km of water, and have local experiences like rice wine making, coffee farms, and off the beaten path villages. 

If Elephant Falls seems more trouble than it’s worth, then Dantanla Waterfalls makes for a good alternative. 

These thunderous falls are made up of multiple levels of cascades all dumping out in clear pools (unless it’s monsoon season).

Dantanla Waterfalls is a great place to grab some pictures and enjoy nature’s splendour in the region. 

And while the falls are pristine, the area isn’t completely devoid of tourist attractions.

Adventurers also travel to the falls to speed down the hill on the alpine coaster or take the cable car to the top.

Likewise, there are places to get dolled up in a local dress for a photo. 

The falls are just a few miles from downtown Dalat and can easily be reached by city bus.

By now, you’ve realized that many of the best things to do in Dalat revolve around getting into the nearby nature. 

And Dalat’s a great destination for hikers. There are several hikes to choose from covering a variety of different skill sets. 

One such hike takes you to the top of Lang Biang Peak. Sitting at over 2,000 meters above sea level, at the peak, trekkers are rewarded with all-encompassing views of the mountains.

Don’t forget about the awesome trails in Bidoup Nui Ba , Vietnam’s newest national park. 

The hardcore hikers can take on the challenge of reaching the summit of Samson Mountain .

Or on the long journey to heaven’s gate – an off the beaten commune full of verdant rice fields and hot springs. 

READ MORE: Be sure to add these great things to do in Hanoi to your itinerary!

Da Lat is home to some beatiful lakes that make a nice escape from the city centre. Xuan Huong Lake lies in the heart of Dalat and is famous for its half-moon shape.

This large, quiet lake has a peaceful atmosphere that’s made it a top choice among both locals and travellers.

There are both small and large hiking trails, shaded places to relax by the water, sunset spots, and boat rentals.

A highlight of Xuan Huong Lake is the Dalat Flower Park. At the end of the lake near Cu Hill, Dalat Flower Park is a stunning collection of flower beds. This colorful flower garden is one of the best things to see in Dalat.

Xuan Huong Lake is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Dalat without wandering too far from the city center. You can even walk over to the Dalat Night Market nearby for some shopping and food.

Tuyen Lam Lake is another option just outside the city amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Central Highlands in Vietnam This captivating freshwater reservoir renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquility.

The lake is part of the larger Tuyen Lam Lake tourist area, which includes attractions like the Truc Lam Zen Monastery and the Tuyen Lam Eco-Tourism Zone.

There we have it. From foamy rapids to lofty mountains, this list covers the most incredible 14 Da Lat activities.

What’s good about this list is that none of these adventures will destroy your budget. 

And while Da Lat has a reputation as a honeymooner’s destination, there are plenty of outdoor activities, thrilling experiences, and off the beaten path sights that appeal to more than just couples.

Da Lat is an unforgettable city in Southern Vietnam and the doorway to the country’s lavish highlands and one of the best cities to visit when backpacking Southeast Asia .

Stephen Schreck

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Related posts, ba be national park – the lake, trekking and happy water, getting your permit in ha giang for northern vietnam, the perfect 3 days in ho chi minh city itinerary [2024], 1 thought on “14 incredible things to do in dalat, vietnam (2024 guide)”.

You may need to update this a bit. As of today, the Datanla Waterfall is only accessibly by buying a roundtrip alpine coaster ticket (190k and), waiting at lines at the top and bottom of the falls. The cable car is dismantled and there is no walking path so unless you love waiting in lines for dumb rides, definitely give it a miss. Also, not sure where you got 9 miles for the Clay Tunnel… It’s less than 1 mile at best and extremely crowded.

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DaLat Itinerary, Self Guided Tour & DaLat Vietnam Map

Vietnam has been one of our favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. After multiple stays in Central Vietnam and Northern Vietnam, we kept hearing great things about the mountain city of Dalat.

We finally got to visit DaLat Vietnam in 2023, where our excellent homestay hosts helped introduce us to the city and culture of Da Lat.

If you’re putting together a Da Lat itinerary, we hope our Dalat travel guide will help you experience the best of Dalat Vietnam.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Dalat & How to get around

Depending on the transportation you want to use, there are many options for places to stay in Dalat center as well as the outskirts.

If you’re on a budget or prefer to get around mostly on foot, consider staying within walking distance of the market (Chợ Đà Lạt on Google Maps) or West of the lake.

If you don’t mind paying a little for transportation, you can stay further out and enjoy more nature-based settings.

Grab is the rideshare app used in Vietnam and much of Southeast Asia (like Uber or Lyft). Grab rides to most places in Dalat will cost around $2 US.

If you’re comfortable on a motorbike and familiar with Vietnamese traffic patterns, you can rent a scooter for 150,000-250,000 per day. While enforcement isn’t consistent, it’s best to have an international driver’s license with a motorcycle permit from your home country.

We highly recommend staying in a family-run homestay throughout Vietnam. Usually homestays include a private suite with bathroom and breakfast.

We loved our hosts in Da Lat , a friendly retired couple who introduced us to specialty Dalat foods and helped us get oriented. They made our experience so much richer!

Since we enjoy walking and also rented a motorbike for several days, we stayed toward the outskirts of town. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Here are some other highly rated places to stay in Dalat Vietnam:

Homestay in Da Lat – excellent hosts for cultural exchange, in the outskirts of town Savio House – good value, family-run hotel in the town center Kadupul Homecation – fun bed and breakfast with a range of room types Dalat Rose Hill Villa – friendly staff and nice setting, with family rooms available

When to visit Dalat

We visited Da Lat in January, when the weather fluctuated between chilly with light rain and pleasantly mild (60-70 F). Coming from cold winters in the States, it wasn’t bad but you definitely need to pack warmer clothes in winter since indoor heating isn’t common.

Compared to many other destinations in Vietnam, the climate in Dalat is often much cooler. For this reason, many would say that the best time to visit Dalat is when it gets too hot elsewhere in Vietnam.

The rainy season in Dalat is summer, so the best chance of good weather tends to be March, April, or November. But as long as you pack properly, you can’t go really go wrong when you visit Dalat.

2 days in Dalat Itinerary

While we personally like to stay longer, two days in Dalat is enough time to see the highlights.

For our 2 day Dalat itinerary, we recommend spending at least half a day touring the center of the city, using our self guided tour suggestions. Then, choose one additional activity from our list below based on your interests.

On day 2, select a day trip . Dalat’s biggest draw is natural beauty, so we recommend exploring the surroundings.

Day 1: Self guided tour of Dalat map

If you only have one day in Dalat, this is where you can start. Use our self guided tour map of Dalat to sample the city’s top attractions.

In addition to key Da Lat Vietnam points of interest, our map includes a walking tour route.

You can sign up below to access the interactive map for free.

Day 2: Datanla Da Lat waterfall day trip

Here’s one of the day trips we really enjoyed near Dalat. There are other options below in our list of things to do, but I’ll share a detailed overview of our Datanla Waterfall hiking trip so it’s easy to replicate. 

Prices are as of January 2023.

Datanla waterfall park is only a 10 minute drive from Dalat along the main road to the airport. We arrived by motorbike, but you could also take a taxi or Grab. We even saw some tourists walking there, though there’s only a small shoulder on the road.

There’s a designated area for motorcycle parking and it’s 3,000 VND when you exit. It’s 15k VND (less than $1 US) for cars.

Datanla is like an adventure park, with alpine coasters (100k VND round trip), ropes course (350k VND for 120 minutes), zipline (600k VND), and of course the natural waterfalls .

There are two main entrances via alpine coasters, sort of like a roller coaster but you control the speed of your own car, which lead back and forth to the two main waterfall areas.

The entrance fee to walk in is 50,000 VND per adult and 25k for kids. Walk ins must go through the Main Entrance , where the ticket booth looks like two large mugs (pictured below). From there, follow signs for “Walking Track” (the trail is not depicted on their official map).

The hike starts on rock steps heading downward. Eventually you get to one of the waterfall areas with some random photo opps, like a giant gorilla and a spider web.

From the first waterfall to the second, there’s a sign by one of the souvenir booths that says THAC 3. Follow the path down more rock steps for about 15 minutes to a small shrine above the other falls. Then follow the sign “trekking way to waterfall” down even more steps.

This second falls has a whole area dedicated to photo backgrounds. There’s even a place to rent costumes for your pictures. You can hike back up or take the alpine coaster heading back up the hill (for a fee).

If you have your own vehicle, an easy next stop after visiting Datanla is to ride around Tuyen Lam lake . Head back toward Dalat on the main road for just a minute, then turn left (West) and you’ll be there in less than 5 minutes.

You can check out Lavendar Cafe on the other side of the lake. Definitely built for instagram tourism, they have some trendy-looking glamping sites, fields of flowers, and a cafe with nice view. Coffees were around 60k but unlike many similar places, there didn’t seem to be an entrance fee.

List of Things to Do in Dalat

Before we dive into what to do in Da Lat Vietnam, I have to admit that we were surprised: the entrepreneurs of DaLat have fully embraced Instagram tourism to an extent we haven’t seen anywhere else.

Many DaLat cafes and attractions are designed around photo opps. In fact, destinations without any historical or cultural significance have been recently constructed, solely to charge an entrance fee for taking pictures.

It’s an interesting phenomenon.

There are cultural experiences and natural beauty well worth exploring in DaLat as well, which is what we tend to prefer. We’ll share a variety of options in this list of Dalat things to do below but will focus on intentional travel experiences for your Dalat itinerary. 

DaLat Crazy House

Visitors can explore the nooks, crannies, and ever-expanding structures that the creator has dreamst up and constructed, all for a modest fee (a few dollars). There’s also an option to stay overnight in the treehouse-like guest rooms.

While Crazy House pre-dates Instagram and TikTok, in a way, it seems to have started the pattern for DaLat tourism that features interesting photos for social media. When we stopped by, a large busload of tourists had just arrived with cameras ready.

Visit the Local Market: Chợ Đà Lạt

One thing we highly recommend adding to any Dalat itinerary is a stroll through the market, whether you’re shopping or not.

The Dalat market is a large multi-story complex centrally located, just West of the lake. This is a great place to simply witness local culture with all your senses .

The DaLat Night Market also starts here and expands down Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street toward the lake-side roundabout. There’s not much at the night market you won’t also find during the day and in fact, prices may be higher as it’s primarily tourists who visit at night.

Enjoy Coffee at a Vietnamese Coffeeshop

Coffee is a big part of Vietnamese culture, and DaLat has many great coffeeshops to try!

The typical Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk is called cafe sữa.  You can get it hot or iced. 

From the very basic: plastic stools on the side of the road, to extravagant settings and fancy concoctions, you’ll find a wide range of cafe options and prices in Dalat.

See some of our recommendations below.

Try Local Specialties Like Banh Can

Vietnamese food is always a highlight of any Vietnam trip. Some DaLat regional specialties include:

• Bánh Căn (savory glutinous rice cake)
• Bánh Mì Xíu Mại (shumai meatball soup with bread)
• Dried fruits like persimmon
• Artichoke tea
• Hot soya milk

The first time we tried banh can on our own, it was ok. But it was so much better when our hosts took us to their favorite spot, where this lady has been perfecting her crispy cakes for decades.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by M & J | Intentional Travelers (@intentionaltravelers)

Bánh Căn are savory little rice flour cakes baked in clay molds eaten with a dipping sauce, usually for breakfast. Quail egg is a common filling. The sauces are either based from fish sauce or shrimp paste.

Explore Xuan Huong Lake Area

One of the main features you’ll see on the map of Dalat Vietnam is Xuan Huong Lake. Lam Vien Square , a lake-front park, is a DaLat landmark and one of the top attractions.

Around the lake, you’ll also find cafes, swan-shaped paddle boats for rent, horse-drawn carriage rides, and other fun things to see.

Visit Bao Dai Kings Palace in Dalat

A short drive into the outskirts of town is where you’ll find another popular Dalat attraction: the King’s Palace. It was the royal residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai.

The French colonial building and manicured grounds are not ostentatious but an interesting sightseeing stop, especially for those interested in Vietnamese history.

Get a Massage or Spa Treatment in DaLat

Ớt Care Spa offers a good value for massages and other treatments. It’s a few blocks away from Crazy House and you can make an appointment through Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp.

Their services include massages and facials in a simple, clean setting. At the time of this writing, a basic full body massage costs 240,000 VND (just over $10). 

Where to Eat in DaLat Vietnam

To sample the best of Dalat food, it helps to get some local advice.

Our homestay hosts explained that DaLat’s quality of life attracts people from all over Vietnam to settle there, resulting in a mix of regional foods available in the cuisine.

Nhà hàng MÓN NGON ĐÀ LẠT – The first restaurant our hosts recommended is located in the underground GO! complex near the lake. This sit-down restaurant features vendors who were hand-picked to showcase the area’s regional specialties.

There is an extensive menu with pictures and English translations.

Quán bánh căn Thúy street food – As mentioned above, banh can is a local specialty. This was one of our host’s favorite spot for breakfast. For details, see our map .

Pho Hieu Dalat – Warm and flavorful pho is perfect for a cool day in Dalat. You can get the standard pho in large or small, which comes with a side of greens and hoisin sauce on the table. Complimentary tea. They have an English picture menu available if you need it.

Hill Hill Dalat Cafe – Another photo-worthy spot that seems to be frequented by young adults. A nice place to sip coffee overlooking peaceful hills. A full menu is available, at least for dinner, which is quite pricey but gets good reviews.

Best Dalat Day Trips

Dalat has many great day trip options nearby. You can take a motorbike, hire a driver, or join a tour to explore the surrounding area.

DaLat Waterfalls

Like many of the natural attractions near Dalat, waterfalls have often been turned into tourist attractions with an entrance fee.

Elephant Falls and Tiger Cave are both closed as of early 2023. Datanla Waterfall is the closest to the DaLat and most accessible for casual visitors (see above for details).

Other nearby falls to check out include Thác Voi Waterfall  (30 miles from Dalat),  Lien Khuong Waterfall (20 miles, near the airport), and perhaps the best option: Thác Pongour Waterfall and gardens (30 miles from Dalat) as it has fewer gimmicky tourist exhibits attached to it.

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park

This small, forested national park to the North of Dalat is a great place to find hiking trails, camping, animal and bird watching, and indigenous ethnic minority culture. It’s recommended to hire a guide for the best experience.

There is also an interpretive center, guesthouse, and restaurant in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park .

Dalat Motorbike Easy Rider Tour

One of the best ways to experience a Vietnam day trip is from the back of a motorcycle. This way, you can get off the beaten path and see a lot in a short time.

A full day tour allows you to see so much: Dalat’s agriculture, coffee and silk production, rice fields, villages, and local craftspeople. 

Check out this highly rated Dalat motorbike tour on GetYourGuide >

Top Photo Attractions

These are Dalat attractions specifically for taking selfies and fun photography. Expect an entrance fee.

Vuon Anh Sang Lumiere (Light Garden) – Located on the far North end of town, this indoor attraction features lanterns and other illuminated art. 

Clay Sculpture Tunnel – An easy add-on after Datanla and Tuyen Lam Lake, this amusement park is full of all kinds of giant manmade sculptures from giant dragons to trains and buildings.

Truc Lam Monastery and Cable Car – Another option to add to a Datanla/Tuyen Lam Lake excursion, the cable car goes from Robin Hill to the monastery and pagoda grounds. From there, you can walk around a bit, take stairs down to the lake, or simply return via cable car.

Thung Lũng Tình Yêu (Valley of Love) – Originally named by the French, the valley now has a giant theme park with gardens and a lake using the romantic theme, including swan boats and an Eiffel Tower. There’s also a quirky wax museum.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda – Just 5 miles West of town is one of Vietnam’s most colorful pagodas, unlike what you might find elsewhere in the country. It’s a quick visit but a sight to behold all the elaborate tile work throughout this Buddhist temple. 

Other Top-Rated Dalat Tours and Experiences

Dalat Street Food Tour – An evening private walking tour to experience Da Lat’s street food favorites.

9-hour Dalat Outskirt Tour – See beautiful scenery, participate in various outdoor activities, and taste some of the local delicacies, coffee and rice wine.

Dalat organic farm experience – Discover how a small coffee farm operates and learn how to roast and make your own coffee.

Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Dalat Vietnam

• Try to make a local connection , whether it’s meeting a friend-of-a-friend you find through social media, staying in a family-run homestay, or hiring a local guide.
• Learn essential Vietnamese phrases , like “hello” and “thank you”.
• Shop at locally owned, independent businesses when possible
• For more guidance, see:  how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series .

You might also like: Vietnam Itinerary and Best Places to Visit Central Vietnam Itinerary Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam

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9 Fun things to do in Dalat, Vietnam

• July 27, 2023
• curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use these links, with no extra cost to you.

Dalat (often written Da Lat) was one of the places I visited during a month-long trip in Vietnam . I didn’t know much about Dalat before I started to plan for our trip, and initially it was more of a stopping point between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An , but I ended up having a great time here. There’s lots of fun things you can do in Dalat in 2-3 days, but here are 9 of the best things you shouldn’t miss when in Dalat!

9 Fun things to do in Dalat:

1. Stroll along the edge of Xuon Huong lake 2. Visit The Crazy House 3. Ride the Alpine coaster at Datanla Waterfall 4. Take on the Dalat High Ropes course 5. Ride the Dalat Cable Car 6. Visit Truc Lam Buddhist monastery and lake 7. Go to Dalat’s night market 8. Enjoy a BBQ Hotplate at the night market 9. Go to the Maze bar

Useful information for visiting Dalat:

– Is Dalat worth visiting? – How many days do you need in Dalat? – How to get to Dalat? – What’s the weather like in Dalat?

Before covering some of the best things to do in Dalat, let’s first answer the question of Where is Dalat?

Dalat is a city in the south of Vietnam, located between Ho Chi Minh City and the coastal city of Nha Trang. It was initially developed by the French in the early 1900’s as a resort destination. Hints of this still remain, with European-style buildings and tourist-centred attractions and amenities. The vibrant city is centred around the large Xuan Huong lake and is surrounded by rolling countryside and waterfalls. It’s a great place to visit, especially if you are wanting to break up a journey from the south to central Vietnam. So, now you know where Dalat is, let’s look at 9 fun things to do in Dalat.

9 Fun things to do in Dalat

1. stroll along the edge of xuon huong lake.

Xuon Huong lake sits in the centre of Dalat, and is a picturesque focal point for the city. You can rent out swan pedalo boats to take out onto the lake and there’s also a couple of cafes either side of the lake, close to the main city centre. There are walking paths around the edge of the lake and a stroll along here is a nice way to spend an hour or so. If the weather is nice, pick up a Bahn mi and take it with you to have as a picnic on one of the benches on your way round.

2. Visit The Crazy House

The Crazy House (official name Villa Hang Nga) is one of the things Dalat is famous for and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Designed by local architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, the fairytale house really is totally bizarre and is one of the world’s most unique architectural structures.

The concept of the house was to bring people closer to nature and the overall design of the house center’s around the structure of a tree. This is reflected throughout the house with the use of vines, stalagmites, plants, animals, spider veins and the colours of nature in the design.

Some of the features are slightly stranger than others and one of the buildings has creepy monster hands clawing at the side of it, whilst the events space has an ‘under the sea’ theme featuring a giant octopus!

The creepy ‘hands’ wall (L) and a guest room (R) in The Crazy House

The building was originally built as a guest house with an events space. But over the years, and as interest in The Crazy House grew, more structures and rooms were added and it was opened up to tourists to explore.

The house is a big maze, with hidden nooks, wavy bridges and winding pathways connecting the buildings. It reminded me of some of the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona . It’s a really interesting place to wander around and we had a fun couple of hours here.

You can stay overnight in one of the guest rooms, or just pay to visit and explore. If the guest rooms are not occupied, they are opened up for you to look at from the doorway. Each room is slightly different but they all have a feel of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’, with curvy walls and furniture made out of logs. Nothing is ‘normal’, everything is completely mad and over the top, but it is a lot of fun to explore!

The Crazy House is just a short walk from the centre of Dalat. Tickets to enter the Crazy House are only 60k vnd per person (£2) and it is definitely worth it, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours in Dalat.

Having fun exploring The Crazy House in Dalat

3. Ride the Alpine coaster at Datanla Waterfall

The Datanla Waterfall is one of the main tourist attractions in Dalat. It is just 6 km from the main city centre and only takes 15 minutes by taxi or scooter.

The waterfalls at Datanla are impressive, however, the whole place is very much a tourist attraction, so if you are coming here expecting to find peace in nature, you’re going to be disappointed. However don’t let that put you off, because despite that, it is a fun place to visit.

One of the best things to do at Datanla is to ride the alpine coaster! Each car can fit two adults, or you can choose to ride separately. The coaster twists and turns through the forest, down to the base of Waterfall 1 and 2. It can pick up speed, but don’t worry, you are able to control the speed of the car as you have a brake! Although the scenery wasn’t quite as good as the mountain coaster we went on at Oeschinensee in Switzerland , it was so much fun.

Buy a round ticket for 100k vnd per person (£3.50) at the entrance to the park. Keep hold of your ticket so that you can use the return journey when you are ready to leave.

At the base of Waterfalls 1 and 2 is a coffee shop and also several viewing platforms. In a bizarre addition there is also a giant gorilla statue next to the waterfall. I have no idea why and personally this does ruin the view somewhat.

I would highly recommend following the hiking trail to Waterfall 3. The trail is not too long and initially it follows a stream downriver. Eventually you will reach a small shrine at the top of the waterfall. You can’t really see the waterfall from the point though – to see the waterfall properly you will need to hike down the hill. The path here is quite steep but it is worth it. At the bottom is a small shaded area where you can enjoy views of the waterfall. This waterfall is much nicer than the first two and fewer people make the effort to hike here. It is worth saying though, that we visited in May 2022 and at the time it did appear that some construction was going on to introduce a cable car to this spot so it may become busier here in the future.

After you’ve enjoyed Waterfall 3, it’s time to hike back up to the coaster station. Show them your return ticket, hop on and enjoy being pulled up through the forest, back up to the main park entrance!

We also noticed a new, bigger alpine coaster being built, so in the future, visitors will be able to enjoy a longer ride.

The walk down to Waterfall 3 was less busy and much nicer

4. Take on the Dalat High Ropes course

Located next to Datanla Waterfall is the Dalat High Ropes course. Due to my husband’s fear of heights, we didn’t partake in this activity but it looked like a lot of fun! (Despite the screams coming from the zip line!) There’s over 80 different activities you can choose from and they range in difficulty, depending on how adventurous you are feeling. There are also many great activities for kids.

5. Ride the Dalat Cable Car

The Dalat cable car connects Robin Hill in Dalat with Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery, with a station at each location. The ticket price is 80k vnd (£2.80) for a return trip and 60k (£2.15) for a one way trip from the Truc Lam Monastery back to Dalat city.

The Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery Station is just a 5 minute drive from Datanla Waterfall so can be combined into one day if you are already in the area. If you travelled by taxi to Datanla Waterfall, you can walk to Truc Lam Monastery Station, though it will take about 40 minutes and it’s not so picturesque. There are taxis outside Datanla waterfall that you could get to Truc Lam Monastery and from there you could buy a one way ticket on the cable car and ride back to Dalat city.

The cable car travels 2.2 km across the forest, offering great views of Dalat city, Truc Lam lake and the monastery.

6. Visit Truc Lam Buddhist monastery and lake

The Truc Lam Monastery complex sits above Truc Lam lake, nestled amongst 23 hectares of protected forest. The main sight within the complex is the Truc Lam pagoda, or main hall. Visitors are forbidden from entering certain buildings, but you can stroll around the tranquil landscaped grounds. Entry is free but you must be appropriately dressed, with your knees and shoulders covered. There are free sarongs at the entrance which you can borrow for your visit.

Although Truc Lam lake is a pretty sight from above, at the ground level there was a lot of construction work going on at the time of our visit in May 2022. There’s already a few local restaurants by the edge of the lake as well as boats you can hire to take out on the lake, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this area is being developed further to encourage more tourism in the coming years.

Strolling through the pretty grounds of Truc Lam Monastery

7. Go to Dalat’s night market

Dalat’s night market is one of the main attractions in Dalat, particularly at the weekend, when groups of local tourists arrive on coaches, specifically for the market. The night market is quite large and there are many stalls selling clothes and shoes, as well as food stalls. Whilst the market is not as good as some I experienced in Thailand , there is a really fun atmosphere here. Everyone congregates on the steps overlooking the centre of the market, music is playing and everyone is just having a great time.

8. Enjoy a BBQ Hotplate at the night market

As well as the smaller street stalls, there are several larger outdoor restaurants, specialising in BBQ hotplates. You can get great meat and seafood hotplates, and they all come with rice and vegetables. Cooking your own food on the hotplate is a fun social way to eat and the atmosphere was great!

9. Go to the Maze bar

The Maze bar is one of Dalat’s attractions that you may have seen on instagram. It has a similar feel to The Crazy House and is a fun place to visit in the evening with a group. When you arrive at the bar, it initially appears very small. Buy a drink at the bar then head downstairs and start your journey through the maze! The maze is a series of small interconnecting spaces with little nooks and dead-ends. There are a few seating areas throughout the maze, but the main seating area is in the garden, at the end of the maze.

Unfortunately when we visited, we were the only ones in the whole bar! I was really surprised because I had seen a lot about this on Instagram and it seemed like a fun place to visit. At the time of our visit, there weren’t many foreign tourists in Dalat and the Maze bar is definitely a bar which caters to tourists. Even though we were the only ones there, it was a fun place to visit!

Useful information for visiting Dalat, Vietnam

Is dalat worth visiting.

I was quite surprised by Dalat and personally, I enjoyed the few days we had here. As I’ve mentioned, it’s a popular tourist destination, especially with local, domestic tourists and it had a great atmosphere because of that. There’s a bustling night market, plenty of places to eat, Xuan Huong lake as well as waterfalls, monasteries and attractions to visit. If you are not short on time, then Dalat is a good addition to your Vietnam itinerary, especially if you want to break up the journey between south and central Vietnam.

How many days do you need in Dalat?

We spent 3 nights and 3 days in Dalat and found this to be plenty of time. In hindsight, we could have easily fitted everything we wanted to see into 2 days, however the third day meant that we had some down time and could take things a bit slower. So, I would say 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in Dalat.

With 2 days in Dalat, you can spend one full day exploring the main town centre itself, including a visit to the famous Crazy House, a stroll around the Xuan Huong lake and a visit to the night market. On your second day, enjoy a trip to the Datanla Waterfall – one of the most popular attractions in Dalat and visit the Truc Lam Monastery. If you have a 3rd day, take this day to explore further afield, taking advantage of some of the beautiful scenery and landscapes around Dalat.

Save for later!

How to get to Dalat?

Dalat is a large city and a popular tourist destination, both with domestic tourists and international travellers. It is well connected and easy to get to. Depending on your budget, you can get to Dalat by bus or plane.

By plane: Lien Kuong airport is just 30 minutes taxi ride from the centre of Dalat. You can catch a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat in just 1 hour.

By Bus: The main bus station in Dalat is located a short 10-15 minutes from the centre of Dalat. The overnight sleeper bus is the most popular choice for backpackers and those travelling on a budget.

If you are arriving in Dalat via an overnight bus – take note: My husband and I arrived in Dalat on an overnight sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City. The bus was due to arrive at 7.30am, however it actually arrived at 4.30am. The bus drivers in Vietnam don’t mess around and they drive very (too) fast! Luckily our hotel was open at 5am (though we did wake the staff member up!), and we were able to check into our room at the additional cost of a half day rate, but this is something to bear in mind when selecting your accommodation and planning your journey to Dalat.

I always use 12go when booking transport in Asia and I found Futa bus company to be good during my travels in Vietnam. If you are travelling with Futa buses, they often offer a free transfer service from the bus station (which is usually outside of the city or town) to your accommodation but they don’t really explain this. When we got off the bus, there was the usual onslaught of taxi drivers waiting for the foreigners. We only found out about the free shuttle bus because the taxi drivers only had scooters and we had too much luggage with us for a scooter, so they told us about the shuttle. For our next journey with Futa we already knew about the shuttle so politely declined the taxis and went straight to the Futa shuttle buses, but again, no-one mentioned this to us.

What’s the weather like in Dalat?

Dalat is much cooler than other tourist destinations and is known for its stable climate. The best time to visit Dalat is between November – April. During this time, the temperature is more manageable and there tends to be less rainfall. When the sun is out in the daytime, it can be quite warm, however as evening approaches, the temperature drops, so you will need a jacket or jumper to keep you warm in the evenings during these months.

June – August is when Dalat experiences the most rainfall, so it might be best to avoid these months if possible.

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Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam

By: Author Corinne Vail

Posted on Published: 26 January 23  - Last updated: 19 December 23

Home » DIY Travel » Vietnam » Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and looking for great places to put on your itinerary? Well, we bet you haven’t included Da Lat, even though you definitely should! It’s not a big tourist city, yet there’s tons of things to do in Dalat! Here’s a list of at least 15 of them!

A city known for its food and friendliness, Dalat is a great place to go for a few days. The funny thing is, it’s not on the usual Vietnam itinerary, and Jim and I cannot figure out why. It seems most people are more interested in going to the bigger places like Hue, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and even Phu Quoc . However, we just got back from spending four days there and loved every minute of it.

Called many things by the locals, we most often heard it referred to as the City of Flowers or the Romantic City, but it’s also the Green City, the City of Eternal Spring, as well as many others. We did run into a lot of young people, often couples. Whether they were honeymooning or just enjoying getting away, there’s no doubt love was in the air.

We’ve also podcasted about our amazing trip to Dalat. You can listen to the episode here:

In this article:

• Fun things to do in Dalat
• Getting There
• Getting Around the Dalat Area
• Weather in Da Lat
• Where to stay

Fun Things to Do in Da Lat

We were surely surprised at how much there was to see and do in Dalat. We’ve listed over 15 things to do below that if you are like us, you will thoroughly enjoy.

• Enjoy the stunning flowers of Dalat
• Take a fast ride on the Alpine Slide
• Get quirky Instagram photos at the Clay Tunnel
• Eat the freshest fruits and vegetables in all of Vietnam
• Wander around or stay in the Crazy House
• Visit one of the Summer Palaces
• Center yourself at Linh Son Pagoda
• Take a ride on the romantic Dalat Railway
• Enjoy the views from inside the tallest female Buddha
• Take the Cable Car for a great view
• Visit the Linh Quang Pagoda
• Take a Motorbike Tour through the countryside
• Drink Weasel (poop) coffee
• Wander around the lake and maybe rent a swan paddle boat
• Eat great food or buy souvenirs at the Dalat Night Market
• Sip on the best coffee in one of the many great cafés

Dalat Flowers

There are flowers everywhere in Da Lat and the surrounding area. We visited in the middle of January, just as the cherry blossoms were beginning to bloom. On top of that, we saw all types of flowers from orchids to marigolds. All gorgeous.

Dalat loves flowers so much that it hosts a Flower Festival every two years during the month of December. The next one will be in 2024.

Datanla New Alpine Coaster

One of the newer attractions, the New Alpine Coaster, is the longest summer toboggan in Southeast Asia with a run of 2400 meters. Our Grab dropped us off right at the entrance, and we were happy to see no waiting. The ride was loads of fun, and well worth it for kids of all ages.

We were surprised that when we got off at the bottom, to view the waterfall, that the line to get back on was at least 40 minutes. This did not change at all. I think it’s because they open the top an hour before the bottom.

The waterfall was lovely, and there was a café and a small walking path to do before you join the line to go back up.

When we went it cost 200K dong, round trip, and like I said, we loved it.

Clay Tunnel

Speaking of fun for kids…I would say the Clay Tunnel is really for the kids. It’s a quirky park, quite far from the center of Dalat, where all the statues are sculpted out of the local clay.

As you first walk in, you encounter the Dragon, which is a huge and impressive sculpture. Then you continue down a circuit path to all the other scenes that have been carved out of a man-made clay tunnel (it’s actually more of a gorge, open to the sky above). There was everything from animals to train stations.

One reason that this is such a great place for kids is that they can run and climb, try some archery, eat kid snacks, and just unwind. It’s definitely a great place to be a kid.

For those who like to take Instagrammable photos, this is a must. Because you can climb all over the structures, you can get some pretty cool shots. The most popular shot is a person standing between two faces. They’ve even set up a line for you to wait before you can take yours.

One of the quirkiest and funniest parts of the park was a whole section dedicated to the Covid Pandemic. You walk around to find the clay sculptures reminding you of the importance of things like wearing masks, washing thoroughly, and getting vaccinations. Hilarious!

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of upkeep when working with clay, and we saw maintenance and new sculptures being built along the way. For me, this adds to the experience, because you can see how it’s done. I love that.

Eating Fresh, Delicious Foods from the Dalat Farms

Dalat’s amazing climate makes it the best place to grow fruits and vegetables, and there are farms all throughout the mountains and valleys. The farms are pretty small compared to those in the US or other western countries, but they are definitely producers, and the farmers we ran into were informative and friendly.

Crazy House

Crazy House is probably one of the most popular places to visit in Dalat. A hotel cum amusement park, the architect wanted to create something completely different, and from what we saw, she succeeded.

As you enter, you can see multiple buildings, made in a clay style, kind of like the Flintstones but much larger. There are clay sculptures, winding stairways, gardens, a café and so much more. It was fun to wander and see all the quirky things she incorporated into the design.

The great thing is, you can stay at the Crazy House. It’s a hotel after all, and a reasonable one at that. In fact, we are making plans to do just that. Some of the rooms were open, so you would see what you get, and they look well-designed, comfy, and inviting.

Bao Dai Summer Palace 3

Dalat being much cooler than Saigon, was a popular place for the kings to go and build their summer palaces. I guess there’s a few of them, all open to the public. We discovered that the best one to visit was palace number three, which we did.

The building itself was basically a rich person’s mansion. It was decorated in the 1950s style, and had some informative signs with a few sentences telling you about the rooms. For me, the most interesting thing was how the crown prince was treated as opposed to his siblings.

For example, he was allowed to eat dinner with the parents, but the other children had their own table in a separate dining space. He had his own bedroom suite, and was well-pampered until he went off to study in France.

The best part of the overall visit was walking through the gorgeous gardens. The flowers were spectacular, and my favorite part was the back of the house where there was a veranda with hanging vines.

It doesn’t take long to visit the palace, only about 40 minutes for the whole experience, but I do think it was worth it.

Center Yourself at Linh Son Pagoda

We were on a mission to eat one of Dalat’s specialties called wet cake chicken. We found a restaurant, loved it, then wanted to take a small walk to one of the most peaceful and serene temples, Linh Son Temple .

Of all the temples we’ve visited, this one was the quietest, giving us such a feeling of inner calm. There were only a couple of other people there, and they seemed to enjoy the peace as much as we did. We didn’t even hear anyone talking.

The temple boasts a couple of small pagodas, meticulously maintained grounds, and of course living quarters for the monks. We loved meandering along the paths enjoying the solitude. It was hard to imagine that the city was so close.

Ride the Dalat Railway

When you look up things to do, you always will come across visiting the train station in Dalat, but hardly anyone mentions that you can actually take the train. It’s not a train for transport, it’s turned into just a tourist activity, but a great one.

Because the train station is on everyone’s list, you must pay to go in. It costs 5,000 dong to enter, which admittedly is a pittance but still a bit strange. Especially, if you do like we did and just want to buy a ticket and go to Trai Mat.

The train ride is set up perfectly for an outing of a couple of hours. It only runs a few times per day, and the ride to Trai Mat (the only destination) is a mere 20 minutes or so away.

Once you arrive in Trai Mat, you have just enough time to walk to the famous dragon pagoda, called Linh Phuoc, wander a bit and head back. I mean it’s timed perfectly. Then you get back on the train and head back to Da Lat.

Of course you do not have to ride the train both ways, you can find your own way one direction if you choose. Personally, I don’t see a reason to do this. The train was just lots of fun.

If you just want to visit the train station and not go on a ride, like many people do, then you will enjoy the few shops, a great café, and some fantastic vintage train shots for your Instagram. For only 5,000 dong, it’s worth the stop.

Tallest Female Buddha in Vietnam

One stop we made outside of Da Lat was to the Linh An Temple where we visited the tallest female Buddha in Vietnam. She’s about 70 meters tall, and when you go inside her, there is a staircase leading up, up, up with a good view of Elephant Waterfall.

After the female Buddha, the grounds lead you behind the main temple and there we found a forest of Buddhas which signify all the donations folks have made to the temple as well as a large statue of the Happy Buddha, who is always sporting a huge smile.

To get there: It’s only about a 50 minute ride, about twenty-eight kilometers from the city. You can take your rented motorbike or even a Grab car.

Take the Da Lat Cable Car to Truc Lac Monastery

With its stunning mountains, Vietnam has a lot of cable cars. We’ve loved the ones in Phu Quoc and Ba Na Hills . So we certainly weren’t going to miss this one.

When we were dropped off at the cable car, it looked deserted. We weren’t sure it was even open. There were hardly any people there, but it was open, so on we went.

We chose to take the cable car round trip, but I don’t know that I would recommend it. You can easily call a Grab to take you to your next stop from the top.

The cable car ride was over Robin Hill which is mainly pine forest, which I found surprising. Almost at the end, we saw a small lake as well. The views were pretty spectacular. Once at the top, you cross the street and you can visit the Truc Lac Monastery.

Truc Lac was another place I would highly recommend. The monks are known for the development and upkeep of their gorgeous flower gardens, and many people were there taking tons of photos, because it was pretty special.

There is also a stupa on the grounds that is well worth a look. Let alone the main temple building, temple bell, and an ornate gate. The grounds are beautiful, and down below the main area is a picnic area in the trees. It was shady and cool, and a perfect place to just relax for a few minutes.

Linh Quang Pagoda

Another wonderful temple is the Linh Quang temple on the outskirts of the city. It’s known as a dragon temple, and as soon as you enter, you can see why.

In the courtyard, there is a huge sculpture of a dragon, with scenes depicted all around. It’s a great stop for some amazing photos and to see a bit of Vietnamese temple culture at its best.

Take a Motorbike Tour

One thing we did, much to my own surprise, was to take a motorbike tour through the countryside. Two guides picked us up from our hotel, and we visited things like the silk factory, a coffee plantation, some amazing temples, had lunch, and enjoyed our guides’ stories.

The tour was from about 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and even though I was a little trepidatious about riding with a stranger on the back of a motorbike all day, I soon felt comfortable. The guide who drove me, Ho, was very attentive and made sure not to do anything to scare me. Boy, did I appreciate that.

Now that I have one motorbike tour under my belt, I will be much more willing to do another one. Let’s face it, it’s the preferred mode of transportation in Vietnam!

Drink Weasel (Poop) Coffee

There are many coffee plantations in the Dalat area, and we visited the Minh Le Plantation. It was a sprawling complex, with huge verandas to drink a coffee with amazing views, and of course lots of souvenirs.

Our guide told us all about the three coffee plants used in Vietnam, showed us the weasels, and then let us order a coffee and left us alone to enjoy the shade and view for about 20 minutes.

I’m not recommending the weasel coffee. Was it good? Sure. Was it the best in the world? No. Was it worth keeping these small rodents in a cage their entire lives? Definitely not.

However, you can have just a regular cup of coffee at the plantation, and still enjoy your time there.

Wander Around Ho Than Tho Lake

As soon as you drive into Da Lat, you go by Ho Then Tho Lake. It’s very close to the center of town and the night market. During the day, you can rent a paddle boat or even go horse-back riding I’m told. I did see one horse, but no one was riding it.

We walked around the lake at night and enjoyed all the different colored lights in the trees and gardens along the shore. It was really nice, and of course much cooler than in the middle of the daytime.

Enjoy Dinner at the Dalat Night Market

The night market, right downtown, is a huge area. You can buy anything from clothes to souvenirs, and of course there is an opportunity to try lots of street foods or full-on dinners.

We chose to eat at the BBQ restaurant, where we cooked the meat right at our table. Well, the staff did. They take really good care of you the whole time you are there.

If you are a fan of night markets, make sure to see this one.

Have an Egg Coffee or Hot Chocolate

Vietnam, and especially Dalat, is famous for its coffee. We had to try the egg coffee, but boy were we surprised to find that you can also get an egg hot chocolate. I ordered one at one of our favorite places, An Café, and it was delicious.

The egg mixture just adds a full-body creaminess that is hard not to love. Luckily Da Lat is full of cafés. There’s two or three on every block, it seems, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a few that you just love.

How to Get to Dalat

There are really only two ways to get to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh . One is taking the overnight bus and the other is flying.

We chose to fly, and the flight was about an hour, so it was quick and pretty inexpensive for a domestic flight. What we didn’t realize was how far out the Dalat airport was from the city. We took a Grab and it came to about 450K dong, about 18 US dollars.

On the other hand, the cheapest way to get to Dalat from Saigon is taking the overnight sleeper bus. It takes about 8 hours and will cost you about 200K dong, much cheaper. You do get a bed to sleep in, but you will have to deal with other people, lights, and curvy roads. If cheap adventure is what you are looking for, this is definitely for you.

Getting Around the City

Most people go to Dalat planning to rent motorbikes for the entire time they are there. We only checked on the single day prices, and found it cost something like 100K dong, which is super cheap. However, we still don’t feel comfortable on motorbikes enough to do this.

Instead, we did what we do in Saigon, used Grab cars. What we found is, Grab is a little more expensive than in HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City), probably because things are a bit further away. Not everything is right smack dab in the middle of a huge metropolis.

We never had any issues getting a Grab, but we got nervous when we went to Clay Tunnel that we wouldn’t get one, so we basically hired the first one to take us around the rest of the day. It ended up costing us over 300K dong, much more than if we’d just rented a scooter.

If and when we go back to Dalat, we definitely will just rent a motorbike and do all the driving ourselves. Of course, the second time anywhere means you already have a good grasp on the directions and where things are, so we’ll feel much more comfortable.

Weather in Dalat

We went to Dalat in January, which was more than pleasant. While much of Vietnam is just exiting its hot and muggy rainy season, Dalat was sunny during the day and cool at night. Turns out that’s what Dalat is always like.

We were told over and over again that the temperatures fluctuate from 18-25 degrees Celcius (64-77 degrees F) every day all year long. While we were there, it did get a little higher, but it was still pretty comfortable.

If you look at the graphs below for the average temperatures and the average rainfall, you’ll notice that the temperature stays relatively mild and comfortable all year long, but there are definitely months where you will get rain almost every day.

We don’t think the rain should scare you away, just be prepared to pivot your plans a little and bring along a great umbrella and rain jacket.

Where to Stay in Dalat

Dalat is a spread out city, but no matter where you go, you can find plenty of places to eat right outside your hotel door. We recommend you stay as close to downtown as possible, though, because you will be able to enjoy the night market and the lake.

Most accommodation is pretty reasonable, but if you want a little something extra like a pool, the prices go up and usually they are a bit further from the center since they need more space. Our favorite hotel not right in the center with a pool is the Hương Thảo Holic.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options in Dalat, and these are some of our other favorites:

Sunny’s House – which is superb for the cost and proximity to downtown. Some rooms even come with a bathtub, which in Vietnam is a real luxury.

Hanz Ngoc Sang Hotel  – really close to the night market and so easy to walk just about anywhere downtown.

QA Hotel  – if you are traveling with kids, this is the hotel for you, because they have bigger rooms and breakfast is included.

Dalat is a city not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. Even though it doesn’t have any of the high volume sights, it gives you the feeling of what living in Vietnam is really like. Plus it’s a great place to unwind, take a breath, and enjoy the fresh air. We promise you will fall in love with this city!

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

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10 best things to do in da lat (vietnam) in 2024.

Vietnam is great. It’s as simple as that.

The people are amazing, the food tastes great, there is so much to do and everything is just so cheap!

But are you starting to feel a bit tired out by the heat? Or maybe you’ve seen enough of the coast?

Either way, Da Lat is certainly the answer to your prayers! It’s nestled high up in the mountains and has a chilled Spring-time temperature almost all year round.

Better yet, there’s plenty to do for all passionate backpackers looking to experience more of this wonderful country.

So, to help save you any more wasted time spent sat behind your computer, let's get stuck in with the 10 best things to do in Da Lat, Vietnam .

(Oh yeah ... and I’ve thrown in plenty of pictures and maps to help you out!)

Travellerspoint

Getting to and from Da Lat

Visiting Da Lat is actually pretty straightforward, and you will usually come South from  Nha Trang  or North from  Mui Ne .

When we were in Ho Chi Minh, we picked up the hop-on-hop-off bus pass which allowed us to stop in  the best stops all the way up through Vietnam  for a little over 30 dollars. 

However, another popular mode of transport that people seem to take is an Easy Rider tour. Again, these leave from Nha Trang or Mui Ne.

This time, instead of being in a bus, you’ll be on the back of someone's motorbike! It’s not my kind of thing, as I’d rather be in control of the bike, but plenty of people seem to do this sort of trip all up the country.

If you are interested, then I recommend finding out more  here on Get Your Guide .

If you are coming from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat then I 100% recommend this mini bus transfer for a seriously great price. That’s if you haven’t opted for the traditional sleeper bus option. 

You can book that transfer here.  If you haven’t got a multi-bus sleeper bus ticket that takes you through the whole country, then your best option is to get minibus style transfers to and from your destinations. You can search 12Go Asia for the best deals and options here.

Where is the best place to stay in Da Lat?

I’ve gone ahead and selected some of the most popular properties based on each budget.

I’ve also included a link through to Booking.com .

We use this site to make all of our bookings in Asia, seeing as they offer the best choice, best prices and awesome Genius Perk discounts.

Best Budget hostel in Da Lat:

‍ Nguyen Minh Hostel - This is where we stayed in Da Lat and I would recommend it to other travellers. It’s in a good location, the staff are friendly and they can rent you mopeds for the day. Oh, and it comes with breakfast included! What more could you want for $10!?

• Check lowest prices on Booking.com

Best mid-range Dalat accommodation

Crazy House - I talked about Crazy House above as one of the best places to visit in Da Lat. It’s a quirky building that is as much a tourist attraction as a place to stay in Dalat. Their lowest priced rooms are the “Termite Room”. But if you're feeling extra adventurous, you could spend a bit more and stay somewhere as nice as the “Land Eagle Room”.

Best luxury hotel in Da Lat

Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa - If you want to experience true style and opulence in Da Lat, then this has to be the go to choice. I am stunned by how cheap this is for what you get, and you’d likely pay 5 or 10 times the price per night to stay somewhere like this back in the UK! As well as an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, cinema and golf simulator, this property has incredible views out over the lake! All rooms are very modern and luxurious and, the next time I go to Da Lat I think this is where I will splash out and stay!

For a better rundown of where to stay in Da Lat, Check out this guide we put together:

• ‍ The 9 Best Accommodations In Da Lat

The 10 best things to do in Da Lat

1. datanla falls.

First on your stop when visiting Da Lat should be to head to Datanla Falls. It’s about 15 minutes outside of the centre of Da Lat, and the route there is pretty straightforward.

Once you arrive, you can head in and buy your tickets and take a casual walk around the park enjoying the falls and taking in the scenery.

Oh and don't forget to pay for your parking, it’s a whole 3,000VND … so, roughly 15 cents!

Depending on how long you’re in Da Lat for, you might want to consider doing an adventure tour whilst at the falls. You can choose a variety of packages, offering things such as water abseiling and an adventure course through the trees.

Click here to get a full rundown of the tours there. They are pretty cheap, but just be sure to book up early as these can get really busy in the summer months.

TOUR: If you like adrenaline filled activities, then you can try your chances at canyoneering at Dalanta falls. We have seen a lot of groups doing it, but didn’t even know it was a possible activity until we got there. Check out this awesome tour.

2. Go tobogganing and ride a cable car!

Whilst you’re there, you can also go tobogganing and jump on a cable car. These two activities are, once again, very cheap and you can purchase tickets with your entrance.

The tobogganing is particularly good fun, and saves you a lot of walking when you are in the park itself (check out our footage in the video below).

Again, however, these activities can get very busy. As such, we recommend getting the park as early in the day as you can, so to get them out of the way and skip the crowds.

You can get your tickets in advance for this activity here online . Always worth not queuing as it can get super busy!

3. Elephant Falls

The best way to get to Elephant Falls is to carry on all the way down and around the main road that leads off south from Datanla. It’s a beautiful journey, and you also have the option to stop off at Prenn waterfall on the way.

Either way, it is certainly worth seeing Elephant Falls, and you get a pleasant scramble down the rocks to get your view.

Do be aware, the path down is broken in many places, though certainly not impassable. However, you will likely get wet on the way down (which is usually a welcome treat in Vietnam!

The cost to get in is only about 20,000 VND (so, 1 USD).

TOUR: If you want to check out more awesome waterfalls in Da Lat, then check out this great waterfall tour! 

4. Happy Buddha

Literally two doors down from the Elephant Falls you will find Happy Buddha and the Linh An Tu Pagoda. Though we wouldn’t have gone out of our way to visit these two things on their own, you might as well see them whilst you’re there.

Read Also: Choosing The Best Halong Bay Cruise (+Saving Money)

5. Visit the Valley of Love

The Valley of Love is one of the much more westernised things to do in Da Lat and is a bit pricey. If I’m honest with you as well, we never even went in!

Our plan was to get there for the sunset but, when we arrived, we just found it to be a little overpriced and touristy for our liking.

Plus,  Cazzy’s type 1 diabetes  was starting to play up and we thought it best to head back to the city. If you are interested in seeing the Valley of Love,  here is their website.

6. Linh Phuoc Pagoda

The Linh Phuoc Pagoda is situated roughly 9 km outside of the city centre. It is quite unique in itself, as the garden houses a 49-metre long dragon made from broken pottery and glass.

The entire pagoda is quite astounding, and it is fascinating to look at it up close and marvel at the Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Better yet, admission is free, so it’s worth a stop if you have the time to spare and are happy to ride out there.

In fact, you can even get a small train out there apparently, but we have no experience of this ourselves.  Travelfish  can offer you a little more insight into the trains that run there. 

Read Also: Our 10 Step Trip Planning Guide

7. Flower park

Once you’re back in Dalat city centre, you should be sure to check out the wonderful Flower Park they have there.

It is located at the end of the main lake in the city and is a very romantic place to just walk and take in the sights and sounds.

However, the park closes at 4pm most days, so be sure to get there on time, rather than savings it as your last thing to do that day

8. Ride a swan (at Ho Xuan Huong lake)

The main lake in Da Lat city centre has to be the biggest attraction on offer. It is a truly wonderful spot to sit and relax, and it is surprising how such a thing even exists so high up in the mountains.

I would recommend hiring out one of the swan paddle boats taking a ride out and around the lake. We chose this as the last activity of our day in Da Lat and were certainly not let down by the experience.

As it was later in the evening, the sun was starting to set and the temperature had cooled nicely. I can't remember how much it cost, however, it was certainly not expensive.

9. The Crazy House

The Crazy House is perhaps the strangest thing to expect to do in Da Lat as it has nothing to do with nature.

Instead, it is a strange house that was built by architect Dang Viet Nga. The interior of the building includes a whole host of quirky design features like mushrooms and caves.

You also get some nice views of parts of the city. Again, it’s not expensive and, if you have the time to spare, you can take a quick look around for a mere 40,000 VND.

Alternatively, you can pay a bit more and even stay there for the night. Compared to other hostels in Vietnam it would be expensive, coming in at around $45 a night and above.

You can check out the lowest prices for Crazy House here .

However, it certainly would be a story to tell and, if you’re not into partying and drinking the night away, is probably the best thing to do in Da Lat at night.

Or, if you're looking to explore something more conventional, then I recommend checking out this post on architecture in Da Lat . Especially if you're a fan of French design.

10. Ride a moped

Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Da Lat is to hire a moped to ride around to all of these wonderful stops. The beautiful thing about Da Lat is it is high in the mountains so offers breathtaking views at so many points.

Also, the journey from Datanla Falls round to Elephant Falls is one of the best rides we encountered in all of Vietnam. The roads are mostly in great shape, and you get to pass through a whole host of small villages and settlements where you see the locals hard at work.

If you are inexperienced, then the journey may be tiring and long (it’s about 40km), though there’s plenty of areas to stop along the way. Again, just be sure to leave as early as possible to get the most out of the day and not be rushed for time.

Renting a moped in Da Lat is very easy, and most hostels seem to hire them out. The standard price is around 120,000 VND, which is far cheaper than if you were to hire a bus tour for the day.

Especially if there are 2 of you to a moped like there always was with me and Cazzy. Also, fuel is so cheap that you hardly need to factor it into budgeting!

So, where are all of these great things located?

When you're out exploring any city in South East Asia, I recommend you use  maps.me .

You can download maps of where you are going to be exploring, and can then load them up automatically even without an internet connection.

So, as for Da Lat, below is a screenshot of all of the places mentioned in this post.

They are very easy to find, just search for them in the search bar on the maps.me app. Then, when you find each one, bookmark it so they are easy to see when you are out and about!

Simples *squeak*

What things did you find to do in Da Lat?

Well, that's it for my recommendation of the best things to do in Da Lat. It really is a wonderful place to be and is a much-needed oasis amidst an otherwise extremely hot country.

I would recommend that everyone take at least a day or two to stop off there is so much to do and it's great for backpackers on a tight budget.

If you've been to Da Lat and used this guide or found other things to do, then please let me know below! I'd love to hear from you and reminisce further of my time in this astounding country.

• ‍ Where To Stay In Da Lat ‍
• The Best Things To Do In Vietnam

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All the Quirkiest Things to Do in Dalat: Where to Go, Eat, Stay, and More

Wondering what all the best things to do in Dalat are? Check out this little guide!

Đà Lạt has been on my list for ages it feels like! It’s one of the places I distinctly remember hearing about when I arrived to Saigon and put on my list for a future date. I’ve seen so many friends go during my stay, and each time I saw their stories, I knew I had to make my way over eventually.

To us in Saigon, Đà Lạt is the hipster escape for when the tropical climate and bustle of the city get to be too much. Located in the Central Highlands, it’s all mountain views, pine tree smells, agriculture, and that cool, humid-less air. While you’re here there are a ton of cute cafes, cozy homestays, delicious restaurants, and the most random attractions to jump around to.

My first trip came about because my friend, Sierra sent me a pic of the peach blossoms beginning to bloom, and maybe a week and a half later we were on a plane! I mean why not? It’s so close and so easy! Plus, the pollution before Tet was another level in Saigon, and I felt like utter crap, so I was more than happy to leave for a bit.

Đà Lạt reminds me a lot of the month I spent in Truckee, California and mid-spring or mid-fall days in Namwon, Korea . (Though fun fact, one of Đà Lạt’s sister provinces in Jeju Island ). Here’s all we got up to in our few days as well as some places I’m hoping to visit on a future trip!

All the Best Things to Do in Dalat

Check out the tea fields at Cau Dat Farm

• Vietnamese Name: Đồi chè Cầu Đất Farm
• Address: QL20, Xuân Trường, Thành phố Đà Lạt

You had me at tea fields. My love for the rolling green landscapes of tea farms is pretty well documented on this blog whether it’s repeat visits to Boseong in Korea or my day trip to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Of course, I was very much on board with visiting Cau Dat Farm and getting my tea field fix in Vietnam!

The farm itself is quite far from the city, at least a good 30-minute ride by car. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can motorbike or get a sunrise tour. We were not and went during the afternoon haha. Tea production here is fairly young. It only began in the early 1900s and Cau Dat itself was officially established in 1927, producing black tea for France.

When we went they were in the middle of construction, so we didn’t get to see the factory or, apparently, a tea cafe where you can take in the views and buy some products. There are some street food-type vendors near the entrance if you’re hungry.

Fear for your life a little at Datanla Waterfall Tourist Area

• Vietnamese Name: Khu Du Lịch Thác Datanla
• Address: QL20 Đèo Prenn, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt

Okay, maybe a little bit of an exaggeration. But not really, and I’m the first person to sign up for a roller coaster! Basically to get to the waterfall, you have to take this alpine coaster to the bottom and I actually got quite nervous on it. I mean, if any part of that thing falls apart, you’re tumbling down, down, down.

Anyway, the waterfall itself is quite lovely, and if that’s all you’re after, it’s a pretty easy visit. Nothing really arduous involved, just a steady hand and being okay with heights. If you do want more adventure, there are a bunch of cool things you can do in the area like cayoneering , rafting, or hiking.

Pop over to Clay Tunnel for funky photo ops

• Vietnamese Name: Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc
• Address: Phường 4, Tp. Đà Lạt

Okay, I didn’t get to Crazy House on my visit, so my vote for the weirdest place in Đà Lạt for now are the Clay Tunnel. I think everyone with Instagram has seen photos of those famous head statues and they do look quite cool, so we included them in our itinerary.

I don’t know what we were expecting exactly but I don’t think either of us thought we’d be going to a sort of sculpture park full weird, tacky-in-a-fun-way spots. Seriously, those heads are like 1/10th of the whole place! It’s so random it reminded of me of a lot of random places I’ve been in Korea where I get there and wonder, “Who, what, why, how?” in the first minute.

Anyway, the heads will definitely have a line depending on when you go and people will take their time getting their shots, so just keep that in mind if you’re on a time crunch. You can get tickets there pretty easily but if you’re worried about crowds, you can always get them online ahead of time.

Walk along Tran Hung Dao Street for the Peach Blossoms

• Vietnamese Name: Trần Hưng Đạo
• Directions: I would just plug in Tran Hung Dao in grab or Google Maps and go until you see the blossoms

One of the spots to catch peach blossoms in late January, early February is Trần Hưng Đạo Street. I should warn anyone who’s coming from Japan or Korea, this will not be remotely the same as walking somewhere like Hwagae’s cherry blossom road or the many sakura spots in Kyoto . However, it’s still quite charming and has many a pink tree to enjoy.

The road also has nice landscape views and is filled with these super cute storybook like cottages that I think are part of some kind of resort, so it’s worth a stroll even outside of blossom season.

Walk between Tran Hung Dao and Dalat Railway Station

I’d recommend walking from Trần Hưng Đạo to Đà Lạt Railway Station if you were dropped off. The walk isn’t bad and takes you through all these cool alleway. It does look like you can’t get through at one point, but just go down this side staircase and it’ll pop you out to the main road!

Stroll around Dalat Railway Station

• Vietnamese Name: Ga Đà Lạt
• Address: Quang Trung, Phường 9, Đà Lạt

Đà Lạt Railway Station is definitely one of the coolest spots for architecture! The station was originally designed and then constructed from 1932 – 1938 and incorporated both an Art Deco with Vietnamese style, specifically the communal houses seen often in the Central Highlands.

Depending on the day, you may be able to take the train about 7km to Trai Mat village, but I’m not sure how exactly it works because none of the times we learned of actually saw any train leaving for anywhere…

Take a million photos at Kombi Land

• Address: Mimosa, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt

If there was ever a place built for Instagrammers lol. It costs about 90K VND to enter Kombi Land and from there it’s just a massive, eclectic space that seems to go back for miles (ok that’s an exaggeration). You have the most random photo ops from a tent space that feels more Moroccan, a gas station set up that feels straight out of someone’s idea of California, and some sort of massive transformer statue at the entrance. There’s a pink convertible somewhere in there and a cactus spot…who knows?

There are some spots to eat inside if you want to hang around, but I can imagine this place being annoying during busier times so I don’t know that I’d go unless you know it’s low, low season and you really want to take photos. Otherwise, you’ll be competing with every Vietnamese fashion influencer in Đà Lạt and rich moms who let their kids throw pebbles at the ducks in the lake and don’t do anything even when you embarrass them by yelling across the lake and scaring said kid.

Visit the pink church

• Vietnamese Name: Nhà Thờ Domaine De Marie
• Address: 1 Ngô Quyền, Phường 6, Thành phố Đà Lạt

Kind of laughing because this is the third pink church I’ve visited in Vietnam, first the big pink one in Saigon and then the little one in Vinh Long ! Domaine de Marie is actually a convent built in the 1940s in both a French and Vietnamese style. It’s still active today with nuns and also acts as a school.

It also has some nice landscape views since it sits on top of a hill!

Places I Still Want to Visit

So many spots I have yet to visit!

• Crazy House
• Chua Linh Phuc
• Elephant Falls
• Lavender Đà Lạt Gardens
• Liangbiang Mountain

Cute Restaurants & Cafes in Dalat

Biang Garden Restaurant

Biang Garden Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant and just a nice place to grab lunch! They add pomegranate seeds to their hummus and it’s sooo good!

Brew & Breakfast

This one is for you vegetarians! Brew & Breakfast serves up some breakfast classics as well as other dishes but all of it’s vegetarian. The all-day breakfast burrito is amazing, and I highly recommend getting the “fancier” hot chocolate!

Cheo Veo Coffee

Okay, this has to be the gem of all cafes in Đà Lạt. The views are perfect for sunset and their coffee menu is amazing. Just ignore the fact that you probably shouldn’t be drinking coffee at 6:00 PM lol. The entrance is kind of down a side road and even then it’s quite hidden away, so just keep an eye out on your way. Also arrive early (like 4 PM) to grab a spot! It fills up very fast for sunset, especially on the weekends!

Chill Chill Eatery

For a little more upscale dining, check out Chill Chill Eatery for dinner (only open 4:00 PM – 10:00PM). Definitely get a spot by their fireplace!

Emai Restaurant

Good spot for Italian food in Đà Lạt and nice if you’re staying at the homestay. I really enjoyed the gnocchi.

Seen House is a cute spot on Tuyen Lam Lake. The food is pretty basic but the coffee is good, and it’s a nice place to come if you want to hang out and enjoy the lake or even do some laptop work.

Where I Still Want to Eat

Guys, the amount of spots I still want to try while here…. Ahh! Each of my friends who have gone to Đà Lạt have eaten at different places, so when I was making a list, here are some of the ones I wrote down but didn’t get a chance to go to:

• Da Lat Market
• The Station House – Korean train station-style cafe!
• 102A Ba Than Hai
• Barn House BBQ
• Boho Corner Cafe

Another thing to note is that many dinner places book up quite quickly, so always call to reserve a spot in advance. If you can call at least 24 hours in advance outside of holiday season, you should be okay.

Where to Stay in Dalat

When it comes to where to stay in Đà Lạt, cute homestays are the name of the game! As is the case with most of Đà Lạt, everything is pretty spread out, so your best bet is to narrow down where you plan on going and restaurants or cafes you want to visit then pick out a spot.

I think some nicer areas to stay are by one of the lakes, Tuyen Lam or Xuan Hoang. Xuan Hoang Lake is more of the city center, but both are close to different places you’ll want to visit. We stayed at two different spots:

Emai Homestay

Emai is close to Xuan Hoang Lake and the city center. It’s in walking distance of the pink church and around a 15-minute walk to Đà Lạt Market. It’s a very cute little spot with its own aforementioned Italian restaurant and a few friendly kitties! One might even come up and cuddle in bed in the morning if you let him. Rooms are nice and pretty basic in terms of amenities but I think where Emai really shines is its outdoor area. Such a gorgeous area to eat breakfast before a day of sightseeing. Check more details here

Doi Mot Nguoi Homestay

Doi Mot Nguoi is lovely with some super cute and happy dogs roaming about as well as a few kittens when we visited! I’d only stay here if you have your own motorbikes though. On the map it kinda looks like it’s across the street from Datanla Waterfall, but it’s actually good 8-10 minutes by car on a really narrow, bumpy road and even then you have to walk downhill (so uphill when you’re leaving) to get to the actual homestay.

Also if you’re staying, double check the room you want is what’s represented on their Instagram or website. We booked a room specifically for its bathtub and when we got there, there was literally no tub. It didn’t even look like there had been a tub and it was just not working, so I don’t know where that photo came from or why they said it existed. Check more details here.

Other Places to Stay

If you’re looking for luxury, your best bet is the Ana Villas . Other cute places I’ve seen are the Aratana and Le Soleil Boutique Hotel . My friend, Alyshia , stayed at Romeo & Juliet on Tuyen Lam Lake said it had some nice views even if the rooms themselves are pretty basic. For those staying longer, this minimalist-styled studio in the city center looks lovely.

Check out all spots on Airbnb or on Booking

Dalat Travel Tips

Getting to and from dalat.

You can very easily get a sleeper bus from Saigon to Đà Lạt. From what my friends have said, it’s pretty comfortable and takes around seven hours, usually overnight. I typically book my bus transport on Baolau unless I know I can go in person easily.

I flew to Đà Lạt because I still have mild PTSD from those Mu Cang Chai bus rides and when I booked my tickets, I think it all cost under 1 million VND (~$40 USD). It’s like maybe 40 minutes, so between getting to the airport, checking in, flying, and leaving, it’s all around 2 hours.

The airport itself is 30-40 minutes away from Đà Lạt depending on where you’re staying. Super easy to just arrange a taxi or even Grab, but if you want to, you can also book ahead.

Getting around Dalat

Đà Lạt is extremely spread out, so you’ll be getting a taxi or driving around quite a bit. As it’s in the mountains, the roads are very windy and people drive a bit crazily (even more than Saigon). Our friend recommended we don’t rent motorbikes unless we’re basically pro-bikers sooooo we called a lot of taxis.

Grab does work here, though sometimes it’s not available, so you’ll just want to get one of those ole fashioned taxis with meters lol. There’s also, of course, the option of booking a private car charter.

When to Go to Dalat

I’ve been told the best time for Đà Lạt is over the winter as the weather is cooler than Saigon and much less likely to rain. Plus it’s flower season, so the whole city is full of blooms! Summer is monsoon season, so it’s cool but can get very, very rainy. If you want to keep an eye out for the peach blossoms, I’d aim to go during the first or second week of February. We went end of January, and I’d say we were a little early.

Đà Lạt is very popular for domestic tourism, so any time there’s a longer holiday it’ll get crazy busy, think Tet, New Years Eve, Christmas, etc. I know of people who went over NYE weekend and it took them ten hours to get back by car to Saigon!

Costs in Dalat

While Đà Lạt, like much of Vietnam, is extremely affordable, especially if you’re used to places like the US, it is a little more expensive than most other places in the country. For example, our room in Emai was three times what I paid for Mekong Pottery Homestay in Vinh Long, and I’d say they’re very comparable in terms of amenities and rooms.

What to Wear in Dalat

When I went, Đà Lạt was downright hot during the sunniest parts of the day and absolutely freezing as the sun fell. Think of it as early fall or mid-spring elsewhere in the world, so bring layers and socks. Most places won’t have heating or insulation, so it feels colder at night than normal. I was very happy to have my jean jacket and could’ve used some pants!

And there you have it! My little guide on the best things to do in Dalat, including where to go, stay, eat, and more! Am I missing anything? Let me know below!

for more vietnam travel

I’ve been able to explore a lot of this country, so here are all my other guides:

General Vietnam

• How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
• 22 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam
• How to Plan the Ultimate Leaving Vietnam Trip

Northern Vietnam

• The Best Things to Do in Hanoi
• Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Get There
• A Day Cruise Along Halong Bay
• Mu Cang Chai Travel Tips
• A Secluded Sapa Itinerary
• Hiking & Herbal Baths with the Red Dzao in Sapa

Central Vietnam

• Historical Things to Do in Hue: Ultimate Guide
• Hue in One Day: A Speedy Itinerary
• Azerai La Residence Hue Review: A Luxury Stay
• How to Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
• A Semi-Relaxing Phong Nha Travel Itinerary
• How to Visit Yok Don National Park
• Top Things to Do in Hoi An
• How to Spend 3 Days in Hoi An
• Hoi An Tailors: Tips for What to Get Made
• The Vietage: A Luxury Train in Vietnam
• Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Review

Southern Vietnam

• Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Bucket List
• Coolest Things to Do in District 1, HCMC
• A Guide to District 5 & Cho Lon, HCMC
• Hem 15B Le Than Thon: Guide to Little Japan Saigon
• What to Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
• Anantara Mui Ne: Best Resort for a Girls’ Getaway
• Mekong Delta Day Trip: What to Expect
• A Guide to Vinh Long in the Mekong
• Con Dao: An Island Travel Guide
• Azerai Can Tho: A Luxury Stay in the Mekong
• Odys Boutique Hotel Review: A Chic Mid-Range Stay in HCMC

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DALAT TRAVEL GUIDE: Experience the Enchanting Highlands of Vietnam

Exploring dalat: the ultimate travel guide for adventure seekers.

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Dalat Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Your Visit to the City of Eternal Spring

Table of Contents

Nestled within the rolling highlands of Vietnam, Dalat is an enchanting city known for its mild climate and stunning natural beauty. At 1,500 meters above sea level, the city presents breathtaking landscapes adorned with pine forests, twisting roads, and colorful flower gardens. It has earned a reputation as a haven of tranquility, offering relief from the tropical heat commonly experienced elsewhere in the country.

The charm of Dalat extends beyond its scenery; it is steeped in history and culture. Initially established by French colonists seeking respite from the heat, the city’s architecture showcases a blend of Vietnamese design and European styles, resulting in a unique aesthetic that captivates visitors. Alongside historic sites, Dalat is also a launching point for outdoor activities, from hiking to exploring cascading waterfalls, making it a favorite destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Dalat’s food scene reflects its diverse cultural influences, and visitors can delight in local and French-inspired cuisine. Markets and street food stalls offer a taste of the region’s fresh produce, including the artichokes and strawberries that are grown locally, thanks to the cooler climate. With a rich tapestry of attractions and an inviting atmosphere, Dalat stands out as a jewel in Vietnam’s tourism landscape, promising visitors an experience that weaves together the tranquility of nature with the vibrancy of culture.

Getting to Dalat

Traveling to Dalat is convenient due to the variety of transportation options available, accommodating different preferences and budgets. Key entry points include the Lien Khuong Airport for air travel, comprehensive bus services from major cities, the historic railway station for train aficionados, and scenic routes accessible by motorbike.

Dalat’s main gateway by air is Lien Khuong Airport, located about 30 kilometers from the city center. Flights to Dalat are frequently available from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Most of the time, travelers can find economical flights , with prices often ranging around $20-$25 .

• Ho Chi Minh to Dalat Flights – Book your Flights here
• Hanoi to Dalat Flights – Book your Flights here

Sleeper buses offer a comfortable way to reach Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and other nearby cities. Reliable companies like Ma Linh provide regular services to and from Dalat. Prices and times vary, but buses are generally a budget-friendly option.

• Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat – Book Tickets Here
• Nha Trang to Dalat – Book Tickets Here

While Dalat does not have direct train service, a shuttle bus connects the city to the nearest railway station in Nha Trang. From there, travelers can access Vietnam’s main north-south train line, which provides services to major destinations nationwide.

• Nha Trang to Dalat – Book your Train Tickets Here

By Motorbike

Adventurous travelers might opt for a motorbike to experience the scenic journey to Dalat. This option is best suited for those comfortable with Vietnam’s driving conditions and wish to have a more intimate experience with the country’s landscapes and roads.

Where to Stay

When visiting Dalat, travelers have a splendid array of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Situated in the picturesque Central Highlands, each locale promises travelers a unique experience tailored to their preferences, whether they are seeking indulgence, affordability, or authenticity.

Hotels and Resorts

Dalat hosts an impressive selection of hotels and resorts catering to various tastes and budgets. The Himalaya Phoenix Dalat Hotel provides sumptuous comfort for those looking for luxury with a touch of local charm. Travelers can enjoy upscale amenities and elegant atmospheres within these establishments. Conversely, budget-conscious tourists will find that Dalat’s central areas offer plenty of affordable hotels without skimping on quality or experience.

• Features: Spa services, fine dining, scenic views
• Example: Himalaya Phoenix Dalat Hotel
• Features: Central location, essential amenities, community spaces
• Example: Cozy Nook Hostel

Local Accommodations

For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture, local accommodations such as guesthouses and homestays in Dalat provide an intimate look at the lives of the residents. These options are often found in quieter, residential areas of the city, offering a serene retreat from the bustling city center. They range from quaint and rustic to more contemporary settings, all at a cost that is generally more economical than the mainstream hotel offerings.

• Features: Home-cooked meals, cultural exchange, local insights
• Example: Thien Phu Guesthouse Dalat
• Features: Modern comforts, personal touches, connection with local hosts
• Example: Thien An Guesthouse Dalat

Sights and Landmarks

Dalat boasts diverse sights and landmarks, from French colonial architecture to serene lakes and breathtaking waterfalls. These are integral for tourists who desire to appreciate the city’s historic essence, natural beauty, and rich culture.

Historical Architecture

Its distinctive historical architecture shows the city’s past as a French colonial retreat. Prominent among these is the Bao Dai Summer Palace , the last emperor’s retreat showcasing art deco style and royal history. Equally fascinating is the Crazy House , a whimsically designed guest house that resembles a giant tree and comprises a series of artistically bizarre structures.

Parks and Gardens

Dalat is renowned for its parks and gardens , flourishing with various flowers and plants. The city is colloquially known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate climate, ideal for the vibrant flower gardens that envelope the region with color and fragrance.

Lakes and Waterfalls

This highland retreat is also home to tranquil lakes and cascading waterfalls . Xuan Huong Lake , located at the heart of the city, offers a peaceful respite and panoramic views with a backdrop of rolling hills. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the serene ambiance of Tuyen Lam Lake . Among the numerous waterfalls, Elephant Falls and Datanla Waterfall are famous for their magnificent natural scenery and their adventure activities.

Outdoor Activities

Dalat is known as the adventure capital of Vietnam, where adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike will find activities to excite and challenge them. The region’s diverse terrain, from waterfalls to forest trails, promises a thrilling experience.

Adventure Sports

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Dalat offers exceptional canyoning opportunities. Visitors can navigate through waterfalls and natural water slides, experiencing the landscape uniquely and exhilaratingly. White water rafting is also popular, providing an intense interaction with the area’s fast-moving rivers. These sports offer thrills and a chance to engage closely with Dalat’s natural beauty.

Nature Exploration

Hiking enthusiasts can revel in the scenic routes provided by Lang Biang Mountain , a dominant feature of Dalat’s landscape. The mountain trails lead to spectacular views, suitable for amateur and experienced hikers. Nature exploration also includes serene activities such as bird watching and enjoying the lush biodiversity that Dalat is known for.

Cycling and Trekking

Dalat’s meandering roads and mountain paths are perfect for cycling and trekking . Visitors can join a bike or leisurely rider tour , where guides lead the journey through picturesque countryside and rural landscapes. Whether a leisurely ride or a challenging mountain bike trek, Dalat caters to all experience levels, making it an ideal destination for these outdoor activities.

Cultural Experiences

In Dalat, travelers are invited to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture best experienced through its markets, love for coffee and tea, and colorful festivals. Each facet of Dalat’s cultural experience offers visitors a unique perspective on the local way of life.

Local Markets and Street Food

Exploring the local markets in Dalat, especially the Dalat Night Market, is a journey through the heart of its culture. Here, visitors can taste a variety of street foods and snacks that embody the region’s flavors. The bustling energy of the market during the evening hours showcases the community’s love for fresh, vibrant produce and the wide variety of local food such as Banh Mi, Banh Cuon, and sweet treats.

Coffee and Tea Culture

Dalat’s coffee shops pride themselves on their artisanal approach to Vietnam’s robust coffee culture. The region is famed for producing distinctive Arabica and Robusta beans. Those with a quieter palate can visit the serene tea plantations , where one can indulge in a cup of locally grown tea surrounded by Dalat’s iconic flowers. This experience is refreshing no matter the season—be  it spring , summer , autumn , or winter .

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Dalat’s calendar is dotted throughout the year with various seasonal events and festivals . Each festival is a spectacle of traditions, from the vibrant Flower Festival, which celebrates the region’s horticultural prowess, to unique cultural events that bring the community together, offering tourists a glimpse into the heart and soul of Dalat.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Dalat’s shopping scene offers a delightful mix of local crafts and produce, making it an alluring destination for visitors looking to take a piece of the city home. From bustling markets to charming boutiques, the options are diverse, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Central Market and Boutiques

The Dalat Central Market is a bustling hub where visitors can find an array of souvenirs, clothing, and textiles . Stalls are adorned with colorful goods, providing a vivid snapshot of local craftsmanship. In the evening, once the primary market closes, the area transforms as the night market emerges, offering yet another facet of Dalat’s vibrant shopping culture. Close to the market, a variety of boutiques offer more curated selections featuring unique and high-quality items that reflect the artistic spirit of Dalat.

Local Products

Dalat is renowned for its fresh produce; strawberries and vegetables are among the prime picks, and it is known for its exceptional flavor and quality, thanks to the region’s cool climate. Visitors are encouraged to explore local coffee shops where they can sample and purchase locally sourced beans—Dalat’s coffee culture is rich and steeped in tradition. Furthermore, Big C Supermarket serves as a one-stop-shop for those seeking a diverse assortment of locally-produced goods, from food items to souvenirs, ensuring that travelers can find everything they need in one convenient location.

Itinerary Suggestions

When planning a trip to Dalat, travelers can expect a rich blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Whether one has a short visit or an extended stay, there are itineraries to fit every schedule and interest.

3-Day Visit

A 3-day journey in Dalat should encompass the city’s highlights, balancing nature and culture. On the first day, visitors can explore Dalat City on foot , taking in attractions like the Dalat Market and Xuan Huong Lake. Day two might include visiting the architectural wonder, the Crazy House, and a city tour to see the Bao Dai Summer Palace and perhaps enjoy the thriving coffee culture. On the final day, seeking out Dalat’s natural splendor is necessary, such as chasing the region’s renowned waterfalls.

Weeklong Stay

For those with the luxury of a weeklong stay , the initial three days can follow the 3-day visit plan. Beyond that, the itinerary can include serene activities such as a day trip to the peaceful Truc Lam Temple, a visit to the fragrant flower parks, and an excursion to the rolling tea hills. During the latter part of the week, adventure seekers may trek up the Lang Biang Mountain or visit the Elephant Waterfall. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate visiting the Linh Phuoc Pagoda, known for its intricate mosaics.

Local Transportation

Travelers to Dalat can expect a well-developed transportation infrastructure that ensures convenient and accessible options for getting around the city. Whether looking for a direct taxi service or considering the independence of renting a vehicle, the city caters to all preferences.

Taxis and Shuttles

Dalat’s taxi services are reliable, with Mai Linh Taxi being a prominent provider known for its professional service. Taxis can be hailed directly on the streets or booked via phone, ensuring tourists’ ease of travel. Shuttle services from Lien Khuong Airport to the city center are also available for those arriving by air, offering a straightforward option for reaching their accommodations.

• Mai Linh Taxi: Widely available, metered, and regarded as one of the trustworthy taxi companies.
• Shuttle Services: Connects travelers from the airport to the city with schedules that align with flight arrivals.

Renting Vehicles

Renting a vehicle is an excellent choice for visitors who prefer a more personal mode of transportation. Dalat offers rental services for bicycles and motorbikes , allowing tourists to explore at their own pace. Rental shops are abundant and provide various options for different terrains and distances.

• Bicycle Rentals: Ideal for leisurely touring the city and nearby scenic areas.
• Motorbike Rentals: Offers the freedom to navigate Dalat’s diverse landscapes, perfect for adventurous souls.

By using these local transportation options, one can enjoy the beauty of Dalat with the reassurance of safety, efficiency, and flexibility.

Tips and Recommendations

Visitors can embrace the pleasant weather and romantic scenery when visiting Dalat, often called the City of Eternal Spring. The city welcomes couples, families, and adventure seekers with activities that cater to each group’s interests.

For Couples

Dalat’s dreamy landscape is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. They should consider wandering the flower-filled pathways of the City of Flowers or taking a leisurely boat ride on Xuan Huong Lake. For a memorable dining experience, couples may find the intimate ambiance of Café de la Poste ideal for enjoying the fresh, locally-grown produce that Dalat is known for.

For Families

Families can enjoy the laid-back charm of Dalat with its numerous parks and gardens. The Valley of Love offers a tranquil setting for a family picnic, while the Dalat Flower Gardens present a colorful display of the region’s flora. For a fun educational experience, the Linh Phuoc Pagoda provides insights into Buddhist culture amidst intricate mosaics and grand architecture.

For Adventure Seekers

Dalat is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Whether it’s canyoning down a waterfall, mountain biking through rugged trails, or hiking Lang Biang Mountain, there’s no shortage of thrilling activities. Adventure seekers on a budget can find affordable tour providers that offer full-day excursions, ensuring the thrill of exploration doesn’t break the bank.

Environment and Conservation

Dalat’s focus on environmental preservation and conservation is evident through its well-preserved national parks and commitment to sustainable tourism. The region’s lush landscapes and initiatives align to maintain Dalat’s natural beauty for generations.

National Parks and Forests

Dalat is encompassed by serene national parks and dense forests integral to the region’s ecosystem. Lam Dong Province is home to several protected areas, including the expansive Bidoup Nui Ba National Park . This park is known for its wide variety of flora and fauna and for being a haven for rare and endangered species. Its management practices focus on conservation and research, contributing to the sustainability of Dalat’s natural resources.

Adjacent to Dalat lies Cat Tien National Park , a biosphere reserve with rich biodiversity and significant conservation efforts. The park’s comprehensive programs aim to protect wildlife and ensure the health of its pine forests and ecosystems.

Sustainable Tourism

Dalat’s approach to sustainable tourism involves the participation of local farms and businesses in eco-friendly practices. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the environment responsibly, with options such as accommodations prioritizing sustainability.

Tourists can explore the forests around Dalat that practice conservation through educational tours and activities designed to minimize environmental impact. Businesses within the region are increasingly adopting sustainable methods, promoting a balance between tourism growth and ecological preservation, ensuring Dalat remains a picturesque and environmentally conscious destination.

Health and Safety

When planning a visit to Dalat, travelers need to consider their health and safety. This includes understanding the availability of medical facilities and ensuring appropriate travel insurance is acquired before the trip.

Medical Facilities

Dalat is equipped with several hospitals and clinics to address health concerns. They maintain a standard of care consistent with Vietnamese urban centers. The Lam Dong General Hospital is a notable regional medical facility prepared to handle various medical issues. Visitors should note that while basic medical supplies are readily available, they should bring specialized medications.

Travel Insurance

Travelers are strongly recommended to secure comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in Dalat. Travel insurance should cover medical treatments, emergencies, and potential trip cancellations. This precaution ensures that visitors are not burdened by exorbitant medical expenses or logistical complications in the event of an unforeseen health issue. Insurance provides peace of mind, allowing travelers to enjoy Dalat’s attractions without worrying about safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses travelers’ common queries when planning a visit to Dalat, providing concise and practical advice from attractions to cultural etiquette.

What are the top attractions to visit in Dalat?

Dalat is renowned for its charming French colonial architecture, and the Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is a must-see. The city is also known for its stunning gardens and landscapes, with the Valley of Love and Truc Lam Zen Monastery being prime examples.

What is the best time of year to visit Dalat?

The optimal time to visit is from early October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

What are the recommended local foods to try in Dalat?

In Da Lat, some recommended local foods to try include:

• Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese Pizza)
• Banh Uot Long Ga (Steamed Rice Cake with Chicken Intestine)
• Banh mi xiu mai (Bread with Pork Meatballs)
• Banh can (Mini Pancakes)
• Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)
• Lau ga la e (Chicken Hotpot with Laksa Leaves)
• Kem bo (Avocado Ice Cream)

These dishes reflect the unique culinary landscape of Da Lat, influenced by its cool climate and diverse cultural heritage.

Can you suggest an itinerary for a 3-day trip to Dalat?

For a 3-day trip to Dalat, one could start with a tour of the city’s historical sites on day one, a journey to natural attractions on day two, and a relaxing day at local coffee shops and markets on the third day.

What are the options for public transportation in Dalat?

Dalat has various public transportation options, including taxis and buses. Motorbikes are also available for rent, which offer a flexible way to explore the city and surrounding areas at one’s own pace.

What should tourists know about the cultural etiquette in Dalat?

Tourists should be aware of and respect local customs, such as removing shoes before entering homes and religious sites, dressing modestly, and asking permission before taking photos of people.

Dalat Travel and Tour Packages

Want more updates about other Dalat tourist spots? Like, Follow, and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , and Pinterest , and Team out Of Town  on YouTube  for more Dalat Tourist Spots.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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My 3 Days in Dalat in June 2022

I spend more time traveling to Dalat in the summer because of the hot weather in Ho Chi Minh City. Indeed, Dalat’s cold and comfortable atmosphere attracts visitors all year round, including me. Besides, Dalat continuously has new places for food and experience as points of interest. It truly knows how to both attract new visitors and keep the old ones. Just in time, I came back from Dalat recently, let me show you what I have done in 3 days in Dalat city. I and my family did a food tour and there are places that you will like.

My 1st Day Started on Friday

Honestly, I rarely go to Dalat on the weekend. It is too crowded at that time so I could hardly enjoy the environment in just 3 days in Dalat. However, this time was different. There was a show that I and my family wanted to join on Saturday. Hence, I broke my rule of not going on the weekend, I and my family started to travel to Dalat on Friday. We went to Dalat city from Bien Hoa city. The trip started at 11:00 a.m. and was expected to get to Dalat at 4:30 or 5:00 p.m.

Vietnamese Dishes at Noon

Since having a child, I love driving the car to different travel destinations with my family. I can stop anywhere across the way so my kid can take a rest and have more experience at places.

On the way to Dalat City, we stopped at a restaurant in Dinh Quan district, Dong Nai province. As Dong Nai is the biggest province in Vietnam, I forget the exact point of the restaurant. But from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat City, the restaurant is on the right after passing a bridge. It’s a good restaurant with affordable prices for lunch, and especially a clean toilet. Of course, the food is good too.

The First Night with Quán Ốc 33

Unexpectedly, we reached Dalat at around 7:00 p.m. Yes, it was about 2 hours later than our first expectation. The road was crowded with many people who traveled to Dalat city too. We were a bit tired, but it didn’t stop our excitement of looking for a good place for dinner. We then headed to one of our favorite restaurants in the city with delicious dishes of beef and snail.

Our night ended with the well-known avocado ice cream in Nguyen Van Troi Street. If you are the type of person who loves to have something cold like ice cream on a cold day, then this dessert should be on your list. You can buy the ice cream to enjoy at Xuan Huong Lake. That will be an x3 cold.

The 2nd Day – The Main Day Wandering Dalat City

During the 3 days in Dalat, we had the whole second day in the city for many experiences and activities. As this trip was decided to be a food tour, the plan was full of restaurants and coffee shops. And it was Bun Bo that began my day.

My Breakfast with Bun Bo Thien Trang

Actually, my cousin introduced me to this restaurant. My first impression was there were so many people coming to the place for breakfast. As there were so many customers, the restaurant served only one kind of Bun Bo with the same toppings. Indeed, they just counted the number of people in the group and brought enough bowls for their customers.

That’s one thing why I don’t want to travel to Dalat on the weekend. There were so many people sitting around that I and my family didn’t have space to enjoy the bowl of Bun Bo. Please don’t ask me how it tasted! I didn’t have time to really enjoy my breakfast. We just finished our dishes quickly and went to a coffee shop to enjoy the atmosphere of Dalat.

The Choco Chocolate and Coffee Shop

It’s The Choco coffee shop, located right at Dalat Railway Station. They make really good drinks. As my expectation for a coffee land, I had a really good milk coffee cup there. It even made me forget the bad experience I had at breakfast.

Additionally, The Choco is well-known for handmade chocolate in different flavors. Indeed, you can have a try of their chocolate. You don’t have to buy after trying, but most people cannot resist the flavor, and then they end up leaving the shop with at least a box of chocolate on hand, lol.

I like this coffee shop’s space too. It’s big on the outside with a parking lot for tens of cars. In the back, the coffee shop connects with the area of Dalat Railway Station, which is one of the top attractions in the city. The inside space with a wooden decoration brings the true feeling of mountainous land. It was about 10:00 a.m. with a high temperature but I was still comfortable at the place. Yes, the coffee shop is now my top recommendation for a destination in Dalat City to visit. Honestly, I would rate this the top place in my 3 days in Dalat.

Banh Uot Long Ga for a Hot Noon

My mom and my child got back to the hotel to sleep. My cousin went to Nha Bo slope for her friend’s challenge on Tiktok. I and my wife came to the area of Tang Bat Ho Street to find something for lunch. We picked Bánh Ướt Lòng Gà , a bit cold dish for a hot day. Honestly, it wasn’t good to my taste. I was not sure if the flavor changed or something happened to the ingredients, but it wasn’t as good as my first time eating it.

Anyway, if you go from the central market to Tang Bat Ho Street, you will see a green restaurant on the right. It was where I had my lunch. There are many other dishes to choose from besides the cold Bánh Ướt Lòng Gà. And I hope you will find something good there.

I then went to a billiard club to play with my cousin and her friend before the afternoon show.

Mây Lang Thang

This is a well-known show that is regularly on the hill of Dalat. Their stage is always amazing with nice decoration and a background that looks to the valley in the area. Especially, they have famous singers at every show, which is why the ticket price is quite high.

Unfortunately, the show wasn’t as good as I expected. It wasn’t hosted on a hill. The place has been upgraded, so they moved to an old villa in Tran Hung Dao Street for the show. Furthermore, it was rainy so people had to stay close together under cover, making the space so cramped and uncomfortable to enjoy the show. That was bad! I spent about $22 on the ticket and my first experience with Mây Lang Thang wasn’t as expected.

However, I think Mây Lang Thang is doing good with the shows, just some unlucky things happened to me. Perhaps I will wait till they do on the hill and join another time.

We Celebrated My Mom’s Birthday at The Pallet

We prepared a cake, and flowers and booked a table at Tiệm Ăn Pallet – Lẩu Treo Gà Bay (The Pallet) to surprise my mom for her birthday. That night was good overall. But about the restaurant, I was a bit surprised seeing there weren’t many customers when we just got in. It was Saturday so I thought that the food there wasn’t good enough to attract people. Also, the slope that leads to the restaurant from the parking lot was hard to go, particularly when the rain was just over. Probably those things prevented people from coming to the restaurant, despite the food being quite fine.

We ordered the restaurant’s signature dish – Flying Chicken, a Strawberry Salad, a Hotpot, and two bottles of Soju. I was quite satisfied with the food here. Yes, they were as good as said in TikTok videos. Especially the Flying Chicken was impressively displayed and the taste was so good with marinated spices.

The Last Day of 3 Days in Dalat Trip

We woke up early for our last breakfast and coffee in Dalat City before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. We truly wanted something good to end our trip. Yes, a restaurant with a long menu was a good choice to order different dishes.

Bánh Mì HỒNG

From the hotel that I booked this time – Minh Chi Hotel , walking up to the left road, there was a restaurant Bánh Mì HỒng at 72 Yersin – on the right of the road that serves different local dishes. With the advantage of many family members, we ordered all the dishes the restaurant had. There was Bánh Căn, Bánh Mì Xíu Mại, Thịt Nướng, and Soya Milk. Overall, the food was really good for me for breakfast. We even ordered 20 meatballs (Xíu Mại) to bring home. Hence, I recommend this place if you are looking for a spot for breakfast in Dalat city.

NEAR Coffee

Remember the show from Mây Lang Thang that I mentioned above? Yesterday after finishing the show, we found a nice coffee shop nearby. We decided to come back there for coffee on the last day in Dalat, it’s NEAR Coffee . If you also know about cryptocurrency, I know what you are thinking about the shop’s name, lol. Anyway, they truly had very nice decorations in the area with even a garden of cactus. My coffee was good too. You can also order some snacks or bread to slowly enjoy the environment. That’s truly how a visitor should enjoy the time in Dalat. And yes, this is another top pick for my 3 days in Dalat besides The Choco.

We said goodbye to this beautiful city at around 10:00 a.m. but surely I would come back to Dalat one next day.

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This article is now available online on GPSMyCity . You can free download it to read it offline and use it as your tour guide. Or upgrade with a small fee for a planned trip with all destinations shown as written in the article. I will have a small fee from your upgrade as support for my blog. Thank you in advance!

‘PIN IT’ NOW TO SAVE YOUR ITINERARY OF 3 DAYS IN DALAT CITY

READ MORE BLOGS ABOUT DALAT CITY

There is no city where I write as many posts as Dalat. Honestly, I really want to have a chance to stay in the city for a long time, or even live there. I promise you may feel the same when visiting the city. If you want to know more about the place before your trip to Dalat City, here are more blogs for you to read.

3 Special Dishes of Dalat Food That You Must Try

• The Story of a Magic Table in Dalat
• The Only 6 Choices of Accredited Dalat Homestay You Need to Know

Khoi Nguyen

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

Oh wow! The food looks amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed your visit 🙂

It was a great trip with delicious foods.

Ntensibe Edgar

Oh wow! I wonder how Dalat is, on other days that aren’t the weekend or close to it, huh! Thanks for sharing about it.

It’s a beautiful land where you can truly enjoy your life.

Julie Ann Shahin

Your food photography is excellent! This is an excellent post on how to spend 3 days in Dalat!!! Perfect for first-time travelers.

Thanks a lot for your comment! The foods were so great.

pacioalita9

You had an amazing 3-day trip in this place. I love all the food! I hope I can do the same.

You can use the guide from this post for your next trip to Dalat city.

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June 14, 2020

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Dalat , a precious gem in the Central Highland of Vietnam , is a must-visit destination for both first-time visitors and returnees. Born by the French and nourished by the Vietnamese, Dalat is covered with mild weather all year round and vast scenery of nature and mountains. In this article, we share you a complete Dalat travel guide if you’re about to visit Dalat real soon!

I. Dalat: A Brief Introduction and A Look into Its History

Established in 1907 by the French as a breakaway and hill station, Dalat has been an iconic destination in Vietnam’s Central Highlands for decades. The city has everything you need for an absolute vacation, from hotels, landscapes, mouthwatering cuisines, golf courses, and many more.

Dalat in soaked in an endless scene of pine forests and nourished by the temperate climate. This is the reason why Dalat becomes the “holy land” as the agricultural center of Vietnam. People talk about Dalat as a prosperous source of coffee, tea, flowers, and vegetables.

II. Best Time to Travel to Dalat

If the frequent downpour is not your thing, make sure to plan the trip to Dalat from November to April . This is the wintertime so remember to put on an extra coat.

April to October is when the milder temperature pampers the city of love. Yet the daily rainfalls may appear during the day.

All in all, Dalat is best to visit at any time in the year. Each season has its own charm that can wow any type of tourist.

III. How to Travel to Dalat?

If you depart from the big metropolis like Hanoi or Saigon , then flying in the most recommended option. Daily flights are available which takes less than 2 hours.

A public bus, minivan, or private driver is the second-best choice if you are on the shoestring and don’t want to miss the stunning scenery along the way. These means of transportation are available in either Saigon or the closer cities of Mui Ne and Nha Trang (which are both in the Central region).

Hopping on a train from any train station in the country is the third option you can go for. The ticket’s price is roughly equal to the bus yet it takes quite a few more hours to reach Dalat.

IV. How To Move Around Dalat

Thanks to its cool and dry climate typical of the hilly region, most travelers visiting Dalat choose walking to explore the city to the fullest. Other than that, there are some means of transport that also convenient and popular. The three main ways to move around Dalat are listed below:

1. By Cycling

Cycling is the most perfect choice if you have an active soul.  You cant easily rent a normal bike at your hotel or in Dalat Central Market for 30,000Vnd per day (around 1.5 USD). If you are into discovering the mountains, renting a mountain bike is highly recommended.

2. By Taxi & Motorbike Taxi

Taxi is a popular means of transport in most cities in Vietnam, and Dalat is not an exception. You can easily find a taxi anywhere on the roads or get contacts at your hotel’s reception. Mai Linh taxi is most chosen by travelers and locals in this city. But don’t forget to negotiate the price well in advance. Grab taxi  is also available in Dalat which can give you a better deal.

Some popular contacts for taxi in Dalat:

• Mai Linh Taxi: 0263.3511 511
• Thang Loi Taxi:  0263. 383 5583
• Da Lat Taxi: 0263 355 6655
• Lado Taxi: 0263 3666 777

3. By Motorbike

Joining a motorbike trip is an enchanting way for you to conquer the hilly terrain in Dalat highland, especially when you would like to discover the mountains of Dalat to the deepest. The common rate for renting a motorcycle one day is from $5 USD to $10 USD.

V. Things to Do in Dalat: 11 Must-See Attractions and 3 Thrilling Outdoor Experiences

11 famous attractions in dalat a first-timer cannot miss, 1. bao dai’s summer palace.

The palace belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam who abdicated his throne in 1945. His summer palace was built in 1933 as a retreat from the kingdom in Hue. Thanks to the mild weather of the mountains, the palace emerges amid the greenery as a precious gem.

Nowadays, Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is a famous attraction for both foreigners and locals. The villa is perfectly preserved where you can admire the luxury furniture of the past century.

• Location: Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 1, Dalat City
• Ticket: 50,000Vnd / person

2. Lake of Sighs

The name originates from the story citing the sorrow faith of the star-crossed lovers who couldn’t make it together at the end. The lake appears as a tranquil and stunning natural gem where the local couples love to take a long walk or sit for hours by one’s side.

Other than sightseeing around the lake, you and your significant other can rent a paddleboat and ride around the lake. This is the perfect experience if you’re up to admiring the lake-scape from a totally different vantage point.

• Location: 6 km to the east of Dalat City
• Ticket: 20,000 Vnd / person

3. Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the most bizarre-looking yet impressive Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The site takes pride in the 37-meter-high bell tower and the incredible broken ceramics decorated on the exterior walls.

The vibrant main central hall is where you can dig into the interesting legend of the great Buddha who created this respectful religion.

• Location: 120 Tự Phước Street, Ward 11, Dalat City
• Ticket: Free

4. Dalat Flower Garden

The next destination you cannot miss when in Dalat is the gigantic flower garden . Covering 7000 square meters of the area is a vibrant and colorful garden which is known as the first flower garden in the city. This is home to over 300 kinds of flower species.

What makes tourists love about the garden is that the flowers take turn to bloom at different times in the year. So no matter when you visit Dalat, the flower garden is still a captivating site. However, the time flowers put on its most impressive beauty is during the summer months of the year.

• Location: Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Ward 8, Dalat City
• Ticket: 50,000 Vnd / person

5. Dalat Market & Night Market

The iconic Dalat Market is the central point of the entire city where the most famous attractions and accommodations surround. The market houses around 1000 shops and kiosks scattering in different floors of the buildings. Most of the stalls supply dried food (which is native to Dalat) as well as fresh produce. While at the front, dozens of stalls line up to display the freshest flowers in the day to customers. The Dalat Central Market is most famous as a kingdom of souvenirs such as clothes, food, and textiles.

When night falls, the main market is closed and makes way to the night market . And this makes it another interesting scene that you can add to your nighttime bucket list.

• Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 1, Dalat City

6. Dalat Train Station

Built by the French in the 1930s, the yellow piece of art, Dalat Train Station , is a vivid museum-like artifact. It takes pride in the awe-inspiring architecture and the mind-blowing history of the oldest train station in Indochina.

There are numerous souvenir shops, cafeteria, and restaurants where you can take a break after a long day traveling.

• Location: 1 Quang Trung Street, Ward 10, Dalat City
• Ticket: 5,000Vnd / person

7. Elephant Falls

This is definitely the most famous and stunning fall across the hilly city. Located roughly 30 kilometers from the city center, the Elephant Falls promotes the wonderfully serene surroundings and the gigantic waterfall that Dalat is always proud of.

Along the way is the collection of mid-way stops such as the coffee and tea plantations, a cricket farm, a rice wine distillery, and a silk factory. If this type of culture is what you seek out for on a vacation, don’t hesitate to bring along a local guide for the best insight!

• Location: Gia Lam, Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District

8. Lat Village

This is a lesser-known destination in Dalat which may be familiar to Vietnamese tourists but still a strange name in the mind of foreigners. The Lat Village is often referred to as Chicken Village due to the gigantic chicken statue set at the entrance gate.

If you follow a local guide as a part of a day trip in Dalat, you’ll have a chance to know more about the legend behind the name. If you’re up for traveling alone, then don’t forget to take a glimpse of the rural life in the country. And even better, don’t forget to snap the coolest photos of the vibrant farming community.

Upon departure from the village back to the city center, chance for you to scan through some authentic souvenirs to bring back home. The local handicrafts such as cotton textiles, alcohol, and traditional silk pieces are the best recommendations.

• Location: K’long Village, Darahoa, Hiep An, Duc Trong District

9. Take on Dalat Coffee Scene

Dalat is one of the top coffee producers in Vietnam and it makes a complete sense why you should indulge in the coffee scene when in Dalat.

The whole city is filled with plenty of coffee shops in various styles. This is where you can sit for hours and refresh amid the day trip. The best style to get is always Vietnamese coffee but some of the modern shops can wow you with the exotic brews. Cà Phê Chồn – weasel coffee is the hottest trend these years and you can take a sip while mesmerizing the infinite view at Cà Phê Mê Linh plantation.

10. Langbiang Mount

Located at the height of 2,169 meters, Langbiang Peak promises to reward you with a wonderful panoramic view of the whole Dalat. There are two main ways to conquer this roof. The easiest way is by an old Russian Jeep which costs 300,000 for a round trip. The jeep can contain up to 6 people together. The other way is idealistic if you are an adventure seeker. You will then spend 3 hours off the beaten track on the forested trails to get to the mount.

• Location: Lac Duong District
• Ticket:   20,000 Vnd / person

11. Tuyen Lam Lake

Known as the biggest freshwater lake in Dalat, Tuyen Lam lake is a must-see when you travel to this highland. The lake is covered by lush pine forests which will grant you a feeling of peace and mystery. Because of its raw beauty and enchanting surroundings, the lake is an ideal place for camping and enjoy the atmosphere of the wild. What is more, visitors coming to the lake can join some interesting activites like horse riding, fishing, mountain hiking or boating.

• Location: 6 km to the South of Dalat City

3 Adventurous Experiences in Dalat

1. cliff jumping and canyoning in dalat.

The mountainous city of Dalat is ideal for any kind of thrilling activities. One of them is canyoning . Get ready to navigate through a canyon and rush down the waterfall in the middle of the pine forest! And if you have a bigger mind of an adventurer, don’t hesitate to go cliff jumping! The best and safest way to enjoy this experience is joining a Dalat canyoning tour 1 day .

2. Trekking in Ta Nang – Phan Dung Route

Most people will refer to the Lang Biang Mountain when they opt for a trek in Dalat. However, another much more thrilling route is Ta Nang Phan Dung . The route is 250 kilometers away from Saigon by car and praised as one of the best trekking in Vietnam . What you see along the way is a beautiful transition from highland to central coastal plateau.

The diversity of landscapes on the trek takes you across the pine forest, green meadows, and basalt soil. Since the route is a newly emerging gem, it’s only popular amongst the local trekking community.

3. Rafting in Dalat

Speaking of rafting in Dalat , Da Don River is where you can find this thrilling experience. The river is a part of the Lam Ha District in the southwest Dalat.

All you need to do is to rent a paddle, hop on the raft, and get yourself ready for a wild and fun journey. To enjoy this experience most safely, don’t forget to grab a local guide along and let him take care of your activity!

VI. What Are The Best Dishes to Try in Dalat

Enjoy the local food is one of the best way to explore the deepest cultures of the region you visit. Dalat is also a paradise of local food that you can seek for on your trip there. Here is the top-rated list of local food loved most by travelers.

1. Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sausage – Nem Nướng

Even though you can try this cuisine anywhere in Vietnam but Dalat is one of the best places to offer. It comes with a big portion of crispy rice paper rolls by the side of juicy pork balls, fresh herbs, and peanut sauce. Everything compliments each other and harmonizes beautifully on your taste buds.

Nem Nuong Hung Van (150 Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat)  is the best spot in town serving this delicacy which you can find on Phan Dinh Phung Street.

2. Mini Grilled Pancake – Bánh Căn

Made of rice flour and egg while the toppings are beef or quail egg, the mini pancake is a popular street food in Dalat and best enjoyed during the cold rainy days. Apart from the eating, watching the local chef mastering the art of grilling pancakes is also an interesting thing to do.

Bánh Căn Lệ (44 Yersin, Dalat) is the best place to try!

3. Steamed Rice Cake with Chicken Intestine – Bánh Ướt Lòng Gà

If you love to try something that extremely authentic and lesser-known, then this is your gem! The dish is named Bánh Ướt Lòng Gà in Vietnamese and comprising of a thick layer of steamed rice rolls, wrapped with pig’s offal or chicken, onions, and fresh herbs. This delicacy is not complete without a serving of cooked fish sauce.

If you’re ready for this, head over to Trang restaurant (15f Tang Bat Ho street, Dalat) and treat your tummy right away!

4. Vietnamese Meatball Soup with Hot Banh Mi – Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

This is the most common dish for breakfast, not only for the local Dalat dwellers but also for visitors. The hearty soup comes with multiple gooey meatballs swimming inside. Sometimes, it comes along with pork skin while green onion and fried shallots sit atop. However, the must-include side dish is the crunchy hot Banh Mi. You need to break the bread apart and dip it inside the sauce while sipping a mouthful serving of hot soymilk.

Banh My Yesin (10 Yesin Street, Dalat) is a recommended place for this dish.

5. Vietnamese Pizza – Grilled Rice Paper – Bánh Tráng Nướng

The locals refer to Vietnamese pizza as Bánh Tráng Nướng, which is a form of grilled rice paper topped with minced pork, green onions, quail eggs, and dried shrimps. The rice sheet is twisted and grilled atop charcoal fire before being wrapped into two and served hot inside a paper holder.

You can find a lot of vendors selling Vietnamese pizza all around Dalat Night Market .

6. Avocado Ice Cream – Kem Bơ

The best dessert in Dalat is the creamy icy avocado ice cream. The portion is topped with coconut milk, coconut shavings, smashed peanuts and chocolate syrup. Since avocado is one of the best sellers in Dalat, having a twist instead of making avocado smoothies can be a great idea.

The most famous store in Dalat where you can find this mouthwatering dish is Kem Bo Thanh Thảo (76 Nguyen Van Troi, Dalat) . It’s where you can jump into other tasty desserts as well.

7. Chicken Hotpot With Lemon Basil – Lẩu Gà Lá É

This is one of the unforgettable specialties of Dalat, especially on cold days. The main ingredients are chicken cooked with lemon basil. This mixture creates a complex taste that is second to none.

The best places you can seek for Lẩu Gà Lá É is Tao Ngo Restaurant (no.5, 3/4 Street, Dalat)

With all its interesting features, Dalat is indeed a perfect destination to put in your bucket list for your next Vietnam holidays , why not?

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25 Fun Things To Do in Dalat, Vietnam

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Dalat (also spelled Da Lat) is located in the central highlands of Vietnam, about 5,000 feet above sea level. Known for its abundance of beautiful flowers, delicious coffee, and (honestly terrible) wine, Dalat is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and heat of Ho Chi Minh City .

You’ll want to bring a jacket if you plan on visiting Dalat from November until March as the temperature is usually around 50°F and it rains fairly frequently. So if you’re craving some cooler weather, Dalat is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam . And while most of the best things to do in Dalat are outdoors, the city also boasts plenty of cute coffee shops, perfect for spending a rainy day sipping coffee.

You’ll find that there are plenty of things to do in Dalat to keep you busy during your vacation in Vietnam . Check out our list of favorites to help you plan an amazing trip!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 25 Fun Things To Do in Dalat, Vietnam

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 25 Best Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam

1. explore the crazy house.

The Crazy House is arguably the most famous tourist attraction in Dalat and one that you shouldn’t miss during your trip. This quirky private home has totally reasonably priced hotel rooms or you can just pay a small fee to wander around and explore for as little or as long as you’d like. The house has been in progress since 1990 and the owner, Mrs. Dang Viet Nga, continues to expand to this day.

The Crazy House is aptly named as the architecture is totally bizarre. Skinny bridges with handrails shaped like vines connect the buildings that seem to be melting. You’ll have to climb steep stairs and navigate small spaces to make your way through this attraction. For that reason, it’s probably not the best place to bring small children.

If you choose to spend a night at The Crazy House , the rooms are small but unlike anywhere you’ve ever stayed before! Each room has its own unique design but the twisted wooden design and odd shape are common themes. For the price it’s absolutely worth spending at least one night here during your vacation in Dalat!

Entrance Fees: 60,000 VND per adult, 20,000 VND per child Hours: 8:30am – 7:00pm

Check Prices on Booking.com

2. Take the Alpine Slide to Datanla Waterfall

This was by far one of our favorite things to do in Dalat and should definitely be added to your itinerary! Datanla Waterfall is lovely but the real adventure of this attraction is getting there and back. In order to visit the falls you’ll need to go on an exhilarating alpine slide ride!

You can choose to ride on your own or with a friend and you can control how fast or slow to go. The track feels safe and you’ll be buckled in so even those who aren’t a fan of roller coaster rides can have a good time on the alpine slide.

Once at the bottom you can get out of your car to check out the waterfall for as much time as you’d like. When you’re finished you’ll get in a new car to head back to the starting point.

The alpine slide ride only takes about 20-30 minutes roundtrip. If you’re traveling with children, be aware that there are height restrictions.

Entrance Fees: 170,000 VND/adult, 100,000 VND/child roundtrip Hours: Ticket office open from 7:00am until 4:45pm

3. Snap Photos at the Vuon Anh Sang Lumiere

The Vuon Anh Sang Lumiere is a new exhibition in Dalat and one that absolutely must be on your list of things to do while visiting! But bring your camera, it’s meant for snapping lots of selfies.

This amazing light exhibit has different rooms with different themes, but all involve amazing light or art displays. One has hundreds of lanterns hanging from the ceiling, one has an illuminated ball pit, and one is a mirrored room with string lights that seem to go on forever.

You’ll want to spend several hours snapping photos at the Vuon Anh Sang Lumiere and it’s guaranteed to be fun for all ages! Just be sure you bring a selfie stick, a tripod, or a friend to take your photo in front of all of these spectacular backdrops!

Entrance Fees: 120,000 VND/adult, 80,000 VND/child Hours: Open daily from 9:00am until 9:00pm

4. Visit the Linh Phuoc Pagoda

The Linh Phuoc Pagoda is definitely the most ostentatious pagoda in all of Dalat, maybe even in all of Vietnam! The elaborate tilework throughout is unlike anything you’ll see at most of the temples throughout Vietnam.

Climb the stairs of the pagoda to the second floor where you’ll find an enormous wooden Buddha statue and a nice view of the corresponding temple across the parking lot. It won’t take you long to see the entire pagoda but if you’re interested in Buddhist temples, this one is certainly worth checking out.

5. Take a Selfie at the Clay Tunnel

The Clay Tunnel (also called Sculpture Tunnel) is a totally bizarre sculpture park about 9 miles south of Dalat. The highlight of the park is at the very end – it’s two large human head statues that are facing each other in the middle of a small pond. There are places to stand right in front and it’s a popular place to snap a few photos.

But in order to get to the face statues, you’ll need to meander your way through the “tunnel” which is filled with some really crazy-looking clay statues. Monkeys, elephants, snakes, and cupids to name a few. Most of them are actually really terrible so you’ll have a good chuckle along the way.

And as with most tourist attractions in Vietnam, you’ll have to pass by several snack and souvenir shops along the way so don’t worry about packing snacks for this adventure.

Entrance Fees: 60,000 VND/adult Hours: Open daily from 8:00am until 5:00pm

6. Stroll Around the Valley of Love

Speaking of strange things to do in Dalat, the Valley of Love is another rather odd but very popular tourist attraction. This park is absolutely massive and is a great excursion if you’re looking to get out and stretch your legs on a sunny morning in Dalat.

The Valley of Love has a variety of different photo spots. You can pose in front of the wonders of the world or be a chess piece on a giant chessboard. Snap a photo on a colorful floral staircase or take a ride on a swan boat in the picturesque lake. It’s a little cheesy but undoubtedly a fun activity for the whole family.

Be sure to take advantage of the park shuttles – walking everywhere really isn’t realistic due to the size of the park. After all, it’s free! And don’t miss the wax museum that is full of really creepy and poorly done wax sculptures of celebrities. It’s hilarious and definitely a highlight of the park!

Entrance Fees: 270,000 VND per adult/135,000 VND per child with buffet lunch included OR 220,000 VND per adult/110,000 VND per child without lunch. Hours: Open daily from 7:30am until 5:00pm

7. Wander Through the Dalat Flower Garden

The Dalat Flower Garden (also called Dalat Flower Park) features over 300 native and exotic flowers in various gardens on the banks of the Ho Xuan Huong Lake. If you want to get outdoors during a sunny day in Dalat, this is the place to do it! Not only are there vibrantly colored flowers at every turn there are also spots to grab a cold beverage or a snack and rest for a bit.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Dalat during the Spring Flower Fair or the Winter Flower Festival, the Dalat Flower Garden is one of the select venues every 2 years. It’s definitely the best time to visit the gardens.

Entrance Fees: 50,000 VND per adult Hours: Open daily

8. If you Have Kids, Eat at Rung Thong Mo Farm and Bistro

Even if you don’t have kids, it’s worth the drive to enjoy a quiet lunch and Rung Thong Mo Farm and Bistro . But if you are traveling with kids, you’re in for a real treat! The second floor of this darling little restaurant has an area specifically designated for little ones with a few climbing structures and wooden toys.

And outside is a play structure surrounded by a sandpit, as well as some really adorable little kid-sized houses. Finding a place to enjoy a meal when you have children that need to be entertained is daunting and this is the only restaurant in Dalat that we found to be really ideal to bring our 10-month old baby.

Along with the play areas for kids there are also lots of comfy and quiet seating areas – perfect for getting some work done while enjoying the view. And the menu has some great vegan and vegetarian options – we loved the veggie tacos. It’s a bit outside of town but totally worth it!

9. Shop in the Dalat Market

Every night the main traffic circle in Dalat turns into a bustling night market. You’ll find lots of regional specialties such as dried fruit (dried persimmons are what Dalat is known for) and artichoke tea.

Because of Dalat’s elevation, it can actually get quite chilly so you’ll also find an endless number of night market stalls selling warm jackets, furry sweatshirts, crocheted hats, scarves, and gloves. If you’re visiting in the winter you may be surprised by the cold weather and the Dalat night market is the perfect place to pick up some warmer clothes.

Also, make sure you come to the market hungry because you’ll find dozens of street food stalls selling fresh strawberries, grilled corn, and other local specialty snacks. One thing you must try, however, is Dalat Pizza , which isn’t really pizza at all. It consists of thin rice paper topped with egg, dried beef, mayonnaise, and shallots. This rice paper pizza ( bánh tráng nướng ) has now spread all over Vietnam, but it originated in Dalat.

You can find Dalat Pizza at any of the small stalls on the stairs leading down to the Dalat Night Market. Expect to pay ~20,000 – 30,000 VND. Or, if you’re a real rice paper pizza connoisseur, then head to Bánh Tráng Nướng Dì Đinh (Address: 26 Đường Hoàng Diệu).

10. Try Avocado Ice Cream

Another must-try food in Dalat is avocado ice cream . And yeah, it is as weird as it sounds.

It’s whipped avocado mousse combined with sweet condensed milk cream. The taste is like a semi-sweet but also kind of savory and creamy deliciousness. It’s basically like eating guacamole topped with vanilla ice cream.

Avocado ice cream not for every palate but since you can get a cup of it for about a dollar, you should definitely give it a taste!

11. Hike to Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is an impressive waterfall in Dalat that was named for a large rock resembling the head of an elephant. This will most certainly be a highlight of your trip as the falls is one of the most beautiful in the Central Highlands.

The hike down is short but steep and often slippery so you’ll want to wear sneakers and use caution. There is a handrail for most of the way but it probably isn’t the best activity for people with disabilities or small children.

12. Take the Cable Car to Truc Lam Pagoda

The Dalat Cable Car is a fun afternoon activity that will provide you with nice views of Dalat on a clear day. The ride is relatively short and once at the top, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Truc Lam Pagoda and Monastery.

The Truc Lam Pagoda is lovely but the real highlight is the gardens out front and the beautiful bonsai trees scattered around the hilltop. It’s a peaceful place to wander around for a bit, and when you’re done you can take the stairs all the way down to the lake.

And once you reach the lake, you’ll definitely want to enjoy the view from The Seen House !

13. Enjoy Sunset over the Lake at The Seen House

Once you finish your Dalat Cable Car ride and check out the pagoda, it’s just a short walk down to Tuyen Lam Lake. And the best place to enjoy a view of the lake with a unique coffee concoction is at The Seen House ! This little open-air coffee shop is the perfect place to relax while enjoying views of the lake, especially if you’re there around sunset.

The Seen House has some really creative coffee drinks and we’d recommend trying something different. The cold brew coffee with lime and simple syrup is delicious and if you want a snack, the quesadilla is a great choice (although on the menu it’s listed as nachos).

14. Dress up for High Tea at the Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel

Who doesn’t love getting dressed up to eat little cakes and sip tea at a fancy restaurant? And we think high tea is especially enjoyable when it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!

The Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel must have been the epitome of glamour back in its heyday. And the antique furniture, gold fixtures, and vintage decor add to its charm. The hotel restaurant, Le Rabelais, serves high tea daily from 2:00 until 5:00pm. And for the bargain price of 350,000 VND (~$15 USD) you’ll get a huge platter of finger food (definitely enough to feed 2) as well as your choice of tea or coffee.

So put on a dress and some heels and enjoy an afternoon of sipping tea and sampling sweet and savory treats at one of the most beautiful hotels in all of Dalat!

15. Go on a Swan Boat Ride

You’ll see cute little swan boats lining the shores of the lakes around Dalat as well as in the Valley of Love. Rent one for an hour and get a little exercise paddling around the water!

16. Check out the View from Lang Biang Mountain

If you’re looking for expansive, panoramic views during your trip to Dalat, then make sure to add Lang Biang to your list of things to do! There are two ways of getting to the top – you can hike the 2.5-mile vertical climb that should take about 2-3 hours, or catch a ride in a Jeep from a local for a fee.

If you do the hike yourself, expect a bit of a challenge, especially the last push for the peak. And if you take the Jeep they ask that you ride down with the same driver who will wait 30 minutes at the top.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and any snacks as amenities are scarce here.

17. Stroll Through Linh Son Pagoda

Linh Son Pagoda has a really simple temple in front, and a lovely pagoda surrounded by lush greenery in the back. It won’t take you long to see everything there is to see here, but it’s well worth your time to have a stroll through the gardens and admire the pagoda.

18. Snap a Photo at Pongour Falls

Pongour Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in the province and always makes the list of things you must do when visiting Dalat. Most visitors prefer Pongour to some of the other waterfalls in the area since there is kept fairly clean, there aren’t strange statues used as decor, and there are no cable cars or alpine slides.

So Pongour Waterfall is certainly one of the few areas in Dalat where you can truly appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape. And without the gimmicky touristy stuff that often comes along with it. Pongour Waterfall is comprised of multiple layers, or tiers, that the water cascades over. Visitors can climb the rocky ledges to snap a few photos (just be careful, it can get slippery).

Pongour falls is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Dalat!

19. Relax with a Coffee and a Good Book

The weather in Dalat is often rather cool and occasionally overcast or rainy. If you enjoy relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea and a good book on a cold day, then you’ll love all of the cute coffee shops in Dalat. And while a Caphe Sua Da (Vietnamese Coffee) is available all over Dalat, most of these coffee shops have unique flavor combinations and brewing techniques.

Our favorite spot to enjoy coffee in Dalat was at Still Cafe . The coffee shop is in front but the real joy of this cafe is the courtyard in the back. There are several food stalls, a little dessert shop, and even a boutique with locally made souvenirs. And with a giant Totoro statue, a bamboo walkway, and cute seating areas, the photo opportunities here are endless!

A few of our other favorite coffee shops in Dalat were The Married Beans , Dreamers: Home and Coffee , and Bicycle Up Cafe .

20. Visit Bao Dai’s Summer Palace

Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is a great rainy day activity in Dalat as most of what you’ll want to see is indoors. The decor is very retro and it’s pretty funny to think that this was considered the lap of luxury back in its heyday.

You’ll need to put foot covers over your shoes when you enter to keep from damaging the floors and then you’ll be free to roam through every room on both floors. There is a small souvenir room in the back where you can pay to dress in traditional royal clothing for a photo if you want to have a laugh during your visit.

Be sure to check out the gardens on your way back to the exit!

21. Have a Drink at the Maze Bar/100 Roofs Cafe

If you enjoyed wandering around The Crazy House, then you’ll definitely want to have a drink at the Maze Bar (also known as 100 Roofs Cafe). They were both constructed in a similar fashion, but the Maze Bar is on a much smaller scale. And while it’s fun to explore for a bit, it’s more suited for enjoying a cold beverage.

Take the stairs that lead down to the basement and you’ll enter the maze. There are various dark and narrow stairways that lead up through the bar onto the roof. Once outside there are even more stairs to reach the very top where you’ll be rewarded with views of the city (this is where the “100 Roofs Cafe” name comes into play).

You’ll order your drink when you first enter the bar so you can take it to enjoy it wherever you want. That may be in one of the small seating areas inside, or on one of the tables with a view outside.

22. Listen to Live Music at The Escape Bar & Cafe

If you want to have a fun night out in Dalat, but don’t want to get too crazy, then The Escape Bar & Cafe is the perfect choice! The bar is warm and welcoming and the musicians are always top-notch. It’s a great place to enjoy snacks and drinks while enjoying some relaxing live music in Dalat.

Check out the live music line-up on their Facebook page !

23. Enjoy Dinner at The Wooden House

There are lots of amazing restaurants to choose from in Dalat – many of them serve Italian food which may seem strange since you’re in Vietnam. But it turns out that Dalat is a great place to enjoy creamy pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and both local and imported wines.

Of all the restaurants we tried in Dalat, The Wooden House was our favorite! There are comfy Papasan chairs overlooking their garden where you can enjoy their homemade bread and decadent pasta while sipping on a glass of vino. It’s the perfect place for a date night during your trip to Dalat!

24. Try Banh Mi Xiu Mai

The Banh Mi Xiu Mai is one of the signature must-try dishes of Dalat! It’s generally considered to be a breakfast dish so you’ll have to get moving in the morning to experience this taste sensation. Unlike a typical banh mi sandwich, the banh mi xiu mai is served as a bowl of meatballs in a savory broth with shallots, onions, and garlic. You’ll get a piece of bread on the side for dipping.

It’s rich and fragrant and absolutely delicious. A must-try during your trip to Dalat!

25. Grab an Early Morning Dalat Donut

The Dalat Donut isn’t even remotely similar to what the word “donut” probably conjures in your head. It’s not the sticky, sugary, frosting-covered pastry you’re used to. This donut is a semi-sweet roll filled with sticky rice, xoi la cam (magenta plant), shredded coconut, and sesame seeds. It has a wonderfully unique flavor and is sweet, but not too sweet.

Our favorite Dalat Donut lady has a little stand in front of Windmills Cafe . But be sure to get there early – before 8:30am – she sells out early and packs up.

That’s it – 25 of the best things to do in Dalat. We hope you have a wonderful trip!

Traveling to Vietnam? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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4 thoughts on “25 fun things to do in dalat, vietnam”.

The wine isn’t bad, you just don’t drank it in the right place

hello there! thanks for sharing the list of places to visit, can I check how did you commute around Dalat? thankyou!

We used Grab – it’s the Uber of SE Asia. You download the app (you’ll need wifi so buy a sim card) and you can access transportation all over Vietnam. Hope that helps!

thanks Valerie!

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Dalat Travel Guide – Intro to Da Lat, Vietnam

Find out why the quaint mountain town of Dalat draws many types of visitors for many different reasons in our Dalat Travel Guide .

Dalat Travel Guide – Why Visit?

Dalat is one of the prettiest and most surprising regions of Vietnam. Dalat city is a former hill station from the days of French colonialism. The city and surrounding countryside resemble a French village in the Alps, but Dalat is also an authentic Vietnamese experience.

For example, you can spend your morning in a French colonial villa and your afternoon in a Zen monastery. And all around you will be the gorgeous, central highlands of Vietnam.

Enjoying the natural beauty of Dalat is the biggest reason to visit. Spend some time in the little city. It has some good food and interesting activities, but spend most of your time in the countryside.

Dalat is surrounded by scenic highlands filled with fragrant pine forests, vast lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and green rolling hills for as far as you can see. With an elevation of around 1500m, the climate is much cooler and more pleasant than most of Vietnam.

The temperate climate and natural beauty make it a perfect playground for relaxation or romance or adventure or mixture of these. Dalat is good for everything from sightseeing, romantic strolls, and family picnics to various adventure sports and natural thrills.

The Dalat area is great for singles, couples, and families. There is enough to see and do here to fill weeks, but a 3-day stay will let you sample the best of Dalat.

Dalat Travel Guide – Contents

Top attractions and activities in dalat city.

Top Attractions and Activities in Dalat’s Countryside

Top Places to Sleep in Dalat

Top places to eat in dalat, best time to visit dalat, getting in and out of dalat, budgeting for dalat, recommendations.

• Crazy House

The Crazy House is the most unique and original building in Vietnam. It’s a wild on-going art project, a public exhibit, and a functioning hotel. This surreal place is a like a Dr. Seuss building come to life. You can explore every nook and cranny like the wacky animal-themed guestrooms. It’s a definite must-see for everyone. Entry is 40,000VND ($2USD).

• Valley of Love

Dalat is the honeymoon capital of Vietnam, and the Valley of Love is designed to appeal to lovers. It’s probably the most scenic spot in the city. It’s a huge, sprawling park that spans several square miles. The center of the park is a pretty lake surrounded by sloping hills covered in pine trees – perfect for long romantic strolls. There are also massive gardens with elaborate flower sculptures, numerous statues, and a tram ride that circles the whole area. Entry is 40,000VDN ($2USD).

• Robin Hill / Cable Car Ride

Robin Hill is the highest points in Dalat city and has some of the best views. A beautiful relief sculpture adorns the steps leading up the hill. It depicts idyllic scenes of the indigenous mountain tribes. At the top, there is cable car ride that stretches for 1.6 miles (2.6 km) over the gorgeous countryside and ends at the hilltop Zen Monastery of Truc Lam. The cable car ride is 50,000VND ($2.5USD) for a one-way ticket and 70,000VND ($3.5USD) for a round trip.

• Truc Lam Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Monastery is the largest Zen Monastery in all of Vietnam. Its hilltop location above Tuyen Lam Lake provides some amazing views. The many temples and other buildings have an elegant and refined beauty. The grounds also contain several beautiful gardens. And this is an active monastery where you can meet the hundreds of monks that live here. Free Entry.

• Old Railway Station

Built in 1932, Dalat’s old train station is a top site of historical and architectural interest. There are some old steam trains on exhibit that visitors can climb into and explore. The best aspect of the station is a scenic 4.5 mile (7km) vintage train ride to nearby Trai Mat village, where you can visit Linh Phuoc Temple. This ride takes you through some beautiful landscapes. Free entry to the station. Round trip ticket to Trai Mat is 150,000VND ($6.5USD)

Attractions & Activities in the Countryside

No visit to Dalat is complete without seeing at least one waterfall. Cam Ly falls is the only one is the city, but it should be avoided due to urban pollution. There are a dozen waterfalls near Dalat. We think the 4 best are Datanla , Elephant , Pongour , and Prenn . Each has special features that make it attractive.

You can read more about the 4 best Dalat waterfalls here . If you’re interested in adventure sports, Datanla falls offers canyoning and abseiling. Note these are very dangerous (3 people died in 2016), and should only be pursued with a licensed tour company. Currently, Phat Tire Ventures is the only licensed company, and they have a good safety record.

Buddhist Temples

The Dalat area has many beautiful temples and pagodas that highlight the diversity of Buddhist culture and temperament in Vietnam. The entry to all these are free, but they do accept donations. Be sure to check out:

• Lihn Phuoc Temple and the Big Glass Dragon

Linh Phuoc is famous for intricate and massive mosaics that cover the temples and pagoda.

• Linh An Temple and the Huge Happy Buddha

Lihn An has some gorgeous Buddhist art and Vietnamese wood carvings, but it’s 50 ft (15m) tall Happy Buddha is the cheerful star of the show.

• Van Hanh Temple and the Giant Golden Buddha

No to be outdone, Van Hanh has 80 ft (25m) tall golden Buddha that gleams in the warm sunlight of Dalat.

Nature Lovin’

Beautiful scenery is everywhere and is easy to enjoy on your own. Many tour companies also offer organized hikes and activities in different areas. 2 of the best locations are:

• Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam is a picturesque and enormous lake that covers 800 acres (320ha). Activities here include walks around the lake, treks into the surrounding forests, paddle boat rides, and kayaking.  Full day tours including hotel pickup, trekking, lunch, kayaking, and drop off start around $40USD.

• Lang Biang Mountain

  At 7117 ft. (2169m) tall, Lang Biang Mountain is the highest peak in the region and has the best panoramic views. You can climb this mountain on your own without need of guide. But it’s 12km from Dalat city, so you’ll need transportation to it. Often tours are the same price as a round trip taxi. There is a well-marked trail through the forest and up to the top. The hike is 3 hours for the person of average fitness. Entry is 20,000VND($1USD).

Adventure Sports – The countryside of Dalat is ripe for outdoorsy adventures including white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, jungle treks, and more. We love adventure sports, but advise caution here. The safety standards in Dalat are not the same as those in other places. You must take full responsibility for your own safety here, even if on a tour. In 2016, 3 tourists died at Datanla falls. Their adventure guide was not licensed. There are a few companies that offer “budget” adventure tours, but we only recommend Phat Tire Ventures. They are licensed and emphasize training and safety. Package prices for different activities range from $25-$80USD pax (often including lunch).

Coffee Plantations

Did you know that Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world behind Brazil? It is, and the Dalat area is home to the biggest coffee plantations in Vietnam. You can enjoy some fresh and delicious Vietnamese coffee while you gaze at some stunning Vietnamese scenery. Free entry for viewing. A basic cup of coffee is less than $1. Specialty coffee can be $3-$4 per cup. And you can buy large bags to bring home.

SwissBel Resort – Dalat is a great place to splurge on a 5 star, mountain resort – at shockingly low prices. The SwissBel Resort is one of the newest and best resorts in Dalat’s countryside. It has all the luxurious amenities and spectacular views. For around $60-$70USD per night, you can indulge in lavish luxury that would be astronomically more expensive elsewhere.

Check out our review of the SwissBel Resort for one amazing example.

Crazy House Hotel – Dalat also has one of the most unique hotels in the world, The Crazy House mentioned above. The stay would be more for the novelty of the experience than for comfort or luxury, but what an experience. One night is enough. Then switch to a more comfortable hotel. Prices range from $20-$40USD.

Du Parc Hotel – The Du Parc Hotel Dalat is another great choice for high-end experiences at affordable prices. Du Parc was built in 1932 and has a classic art-deco style. Prices range from $40-$50USD.

Ba Hung – This restaurant serves a Dalat specialty called Nem Nuong. The dish is a fresh spring roll that you assemble yourself at the table. The restaurant is a local legend. Vietnamese visitors from other parts of the country flock to Ba Hung for this regional specialty. A big serving is only 40,000VND ($2USD). The address is: D51-D52 Khu Quy Hoach – Hoang Van Thu, Dalat

Nhat Ly – This is a good restaurant on Phan Dinh Phung street, but there are many restaurants on this street that have similar menus, quality, and prices. At Nhat Ly and the other restaurants nearby, a nice, typical meal will range from $5-$8USD. The address is: 88 Phan Dinh Phung, Dalat

Pho Hoa – Pho Hoa is another representative recommendation for a street with several nice and similar cafes. Le Dai Hanh Street is full of cafes with elevated terraces and nice city views. We like Pho Hoa, but most places on this street are similarly rewarding. An average meal is $5-$10 with drinks. The address is:  10 Le Dai Hanh Street, Dalat

For most visitors, November – March is the best season to visit. It’s the dry season and you’ll be able to experience more of Dalat’s natural beauty. Early November is the prime time to visit. The rains are over, so you will stay dry. But the rains have just ended so the waterfalls, rivers, and lakes have plenty of water and the highlands are at their greenest and lushest. Avoid June – August, this is the rainiest time of year and you’ll miss out on much of Dalat’s magic. What good is the beautiful scenery if it’s covered in soggy, gray weather?

The fastest and easiest way to get in or out of Dalat is via the new international airport. Domestic flights to and from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are very cheap, often around $20-$25 USD. There are many ways to get from the airport to Dalat city.

Most hotels offer airport pickup and drop-off, although some charge a fee. There is also a regular shuttle bus service from the airport to the city center that is only 40,000VND ($2USD).

Buses are the most common way to get in or out of Dalat from other cities. These are nice, tourist buses with AC, sleeper chairs, and sometimes WIFI.

There are direct routes to and from Ho Chi Minh City (8hrs), Hue (15hrs), Nha Trang (4hrs), and other Vietnamese cities. The route from the beach city of Nha Trang is the most popular. This route costs around $12-$15USD. The three best companies are Mai Linh, Phuong Trang, and Sinh Café.

This is a realistic, mid-range to high-end budget for people who flew across the world for a fun holiday. It’s NOT a rock bottom, spare-every-penny budget. You could visit Dalat for less, but you could also spend a lot more. This budget will let you experience the best of Dalat without scrimping too much or overspending.

Food and Drinks – $15-20 pax/day. Great food is very cheap in Vietnam. This is actually a high estimate for food and drinks. It includes indulgent meals, snacks, coffees, and cocktails. You could spend as little as $6 pax/day, if you stick to street food and cut out coffees and cocktails.

Accommodation – $20-$70/day for your group. Vietnam also has cheap hotels. For about $20, you could get a modest, but very nice, clean, and comfy hotel. For about $70, you could stay in a 4 or 5-star resort. There are also many great options in between.

Activities and Tours – $10-$80 pax/day. This one is tough to calculate on a daily basis. A day touring the city on your own can cost around $10 pax. A group tour of the countryside costs around $15 pax. A private tour of the countryside costs around $25-$30 pax. A day of adventure sports can cost $25-$80 pax.

3-day Expenses for a Couple – $250-$300 for 2 people over 3 days for an indulgent time including a nice hotel, big meals, cocktails, and few extras here and there. This couple’s budget also includes a DIY city tour, a full day private countryside tour, and one day of adventure sports.

Please note that we recommend a minimum of 2 full days in the Dalat area, with an emphasis on the countryside. It’s hard to enjoy in less time than this. Otherwise, skip Dalat and focus more time on other areas of Vietnam.

What interests you about the Dalat area? What would you like to see and do around Dalat?

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Escape the Crowds: Explore Dalat’s Hidden Gems with insider tips

What You’ll Find in this Blog

In my journey to uncover the Dalat hidden gems, I embarked on an adventure that led me to extraordinary lesser-known treasures. From secret cafes tucked away in charming alleyways to secluded viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas, I discovered a side of Dalat rarely seen by tourists. Join me in this blog as I share my recommendations and insider tips, serving as your trusted travel guide to unlock the hidden wonders of this captivating city.

Dalat Hidden Gems

Captivating clouds and colorful markets: a soulful escape to trai mat.

The captivating Trai Mat area lies a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rural charm. Cloud hunting at Trai Mat is an experience that transports you to a dreamlike realm, where you can immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

However, Trai Mat has much more to offer beyond. At the heart of the area lies the Trai Mat market, one of the largest agricultural markets in Dalat. As you stroll through the bustling market, you will be greeted by a vibrant array of sights and sounds.

The market boasts an impressive selection of vegetables and colorful flower pots that add a touch of charm to the surroundings. You can have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their agricultural practices, and even purchase fresh produce for yourself. It was a truly enriching experience that showcased the authentic essence of the area.

Experiencing the Mesmerizing Colors at Cau Dat Tea Hill

As I ventured into the enchanting landscapes of Dalat, one destination literally stood out is Cau Dat Tea Hill. The road leading here is a winding mountain pass, adorned with majestic pine forests on both sides. The lush greenery embraced me, creating a poetic ambiance unique to Dalat.

Helpful tip: You should visit here in the afternoon, around 4 pm or 5 pm to watch the stunning sunset.

Cau Dat Tea Hill boasts the distinction of being one of the oldest tea factories in Southeast Asia, still operational to this day. So if you’re into exploring historic value then you should visit here. The machines were imported directly from Europe because at that time Vietnam was colonized by France. That’s why it carries a sense of history.

Moreover, as you spend time observing the tea-making process, you can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship and dedication that went into producing these fine teas.

Dalat Train Station

As I ventured into the depths of Dalat’s hidden gems, one place that transported me back in time was the iconic Dalat Train Station. The station recently reopened last year after Covid19, offers a unique opportunity to witness the vintage charm of old trains and carriages.

Traveling to Trai Mat on a classic carriage is a truly delightful experience. You’ll be soothed by the gentle sound of the train, breathtaking panoramic views, and a gentle breeze on your face. It’s like stepping into an enchanting adventure.

Visiting Dalat Train Station is not just a glimpse into the past, but an immersive adventure that allows you to become a part of history.

Delve into the intricate mosaic designs Linh Phuoc Pagoda

When you arrive at Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Dalat, you will be immediately enchanted by its remarkable architecture. What truly sets it apart is that the buildings on the temple grounds are inlaid with millions of pieces of bottles, broken bowls, and colorful porcelain.

As you explore the pagoda, you can’t help but be in awe of the exquisite craftsmanship and the vibrant colors that adorn every corner.

To reach Linh Phuoc Pagoda, you can take a leisurely walk from the Trai Mai area, which only takes around 5 minutes. The journey itself was a delightful experience, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Or if you’re an active person you can start from the Dalat train station, it takes 20-25 minutes to get there.

Enjoy special weasel coffee

One of the highlights of Dalat is savoring weasel coffee which can considered a unique and captivating experience. This coffee will leave an indelible impression on your taste buds and offer a glimpse into the rich coffee culture of Vietnam.

The allure of weasel coffee extends beyond its distinct taste. It offers a glimpse into the artistry and dedication of the local coffee farmers who meticulously care for the weasels and nurture the beans.

Curiosity mingles with anticipation as you take your first sip of this exotic brew. The moment the liquid touches your lips, you will taste a symphony of flavors – rich, smooth, and with a hint of earthiness. It might be unlike any coffee you have ever tasted before.

Best coffee shop to enjoy weasel coffee

To taste the real weasel coffee, you should visit Trai Ham Weasel Coffee Farm. This quaint farm provide an authentic and educational experience. It allows you to appreciate the dedication and skill involved in coffee cultivation, from farm to cup.

Address: 135E Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.

From Calm to Thrills: Hop on the roller coaster of Datanla Waterfalls’ Natural Wonders

I highly recommend a visit to Datanla Waterfalls for anyone seeking adventure and a connection with nature. It’s a hidden gem that offers both serenity and thrills, allowing you to create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning natural beauty of Dalat.

Embarking on a half-day trip to Datanla Waterfalls, you will be immediately captivated by the breathtaking scenery. The cascading water creates a mesmerizing sight, and the sound of its gentle roar is incredibly calming. For me, I found myself lost in the beauty of the falls, spending hours immersed in its tranquility.

But Datanla Waterfalls has more in store for you. You can take a thrilling roller coaster ride, and it turns out to be an exhilarating experience. The unexpected twists and turns will add an element of excitement, making it a fun-filled afternoon activity.

Helpful tip: If your planning includes a rollercoaster, then I suggest starting your journey at the “Datanla New Alpine Coaster”. From this point, you have the option to take the alpine coaster for a one-way trip costing 150,000 VND, or a round trip for 200,000 VND. Additionally, by choosing this route, you can avoid paying the general entrance fee of 50,000 VND as well.

Visit the farm and see how they make dried persimmons

I highly recommend planning a visit to a farm where you can gain knowledge from an expert on the process of creating dried persimmons. It would be an amazing opportunity to learn about this unique process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the work that goes into creating this delicious fruit.

As you visit here you can see all the persimmons selected are arranged and placed in the drying room, where they would undergo a natural drying process. The expert explained how temperature and humidity played crucial roles in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Helpful tip: If you plan to visit Datanla Waterfall then you should visit Thai Long dried persimmons farm since it’s on the way to the waterfall.

Delving into the Serenity of Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake (Ho Tuyen Lam), 5km south of town on highway 20. This is a haven of tranquility where you can reconnect with nature and find inner peace. The expansive lake, surrounded by rolling hills and dense pine forests, offered a picturesque setting.

You can embark on a boat ride, gliding gently across the calm surface of the lake. The rhythmic sounds of the water lapping against the boat were incredibly soothing, further enhancing the sense of serenity.

Truc Lam Monastery – A Glimpse into Vietnam’s Spiritual Life

During my exploration of Dalat’s hidden gems, one experience that left a lasting impression on me was my visit to Truc Lam Monastery. As I ventured into this serene place, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me, enveloping me in an atmosphere of spirituality.

The monastery provided a unique opportunity to delve into the religious life of Vietnam. As you observe the devoted monks and nuns engaging in their daily practices, you will have a chance to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese rituals and beliefs. It will be a truly enlightening experience.

Helpful tip: Appropriate clothes are requested, no shorts or short skirts, and shoulders should be covered.

How to get to Truc Lam Monastery?

Reaching Truc Lam Monastery was an adventure in itself. I hopped aboard a cable cab at Tuyen Lam Lake, relishing the breathtaking views as I ascended towards the monastery. The journey itself was a visual feast, with lush greenery and misty landscapes stretching out before my eyes.

Exploring the Flavors at Dalat Night Market

Dalat Night Market is a treasure trove of culinary delights. As you wander through the bustling stalls, there are lots of things to try when visit Dalat night market . Your senses are immediately overwhelmed by the tantalizing aromas and vibrant atmosphere.

One particular delicacy you should give a try is Vietnamese pizza. If you visit here by yourself without a guide, then you should choose a vendor that looks crowded since the taste of it might be good. Then approached a stall where skillful women were crafting these delectable treats to see how they make it. The sight of them expertly spreading the rice paper base, adding a variety of toppings, and grilling it to perfection was truly mesmerizing.

The crispy rice paper provided a delightful crunch, while the combination of flavors from the toppings, savory meats, fresh herbs, and tangy sauces created a harmonious explosion in my mouth.

When should you pay a travel to Da Lat?

Da Lat, known for its “4 seasons a day” weather, offers a unique climate experience. The mornings feel like spring, with temperatures gradually rising to a summery 24 degrees Celsius by midday. As four o’clock approaches, the air becomes crisp, resembling an autumn day. By nightfall, it feels like winter, at least by Vietnamese standards. While this pleasant weather may make it seem like you can visit Da Lat at any time, it’s important to note the rainy season.

The dry season in Da Lat starts from November to April, then in May – June there are drizzles like a slow step to welcome the rainy season which begins from July to October. The average number of raining days in this season is from 20-25 days per month, so that is continuous. But be worry-free, if you do not have another time frame, indeed Da Lat is still beautiful.

How to get to Dalat?

The most common and convenient mode of transportation is by sleeper bus. There are several bus companies that operate routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat . The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. So when you take this bus at night from Ho Chi Minh City you can spend more time in Dalat.

From Ho Chi Minh to Dalat

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City is by taking a domestic flight. There are regular flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Lien Khuong Airport in Dalat. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

From Hanoi to Dalat

If you are traveling from Hanoi to Dalat, you can take a domestic flight from Noi Bai International Airport to Lien Khuong Airport in Dalat. The flight duration is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Recommend Itinerary

A general recommendation that you should be to spend at least 2-3 days in Dalat to have a decent experience. Here is my draft itinerary you can consider:

• Visit Dalat Train Station
• Explore local life at Trai Mat Market
• Having lunch
• Visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda
• Enjoy tea at Cau Dat Farm
• Taste weasel coffee at Trai Ham
• Visit or take a boat ride Tuyen Lam lake
• Cable bab to Truc Lam monastery
• Immerse at Dantala waterfalls
• Visit a dried persimmon farm and watch the stages of how they make it.

This is just an itinerary to explore Dalat, if you choose to visit Vietnam and spend from 2 to 3 weeks, you can take a look at our Vietnam tour packages to have an overview of the activities as well as accommodations and prices.

Exploring the Dalat hidden gems has been an amazing journey full of discovery. Hope that all my insider tips and travel guides that I have shared on this blog inspire you to embark on unforgettable Dalat’s hidden treasures.

If you want to  discover the unseen of Dalat or further  with a customized itinerary that only fits your preferences, get in touch with us by filling out the form below. We will contact you within 24 hours.

LEAVE US A MESSAGE

Ngoc Hoang – Travel Consultant

With more than 10 years of experience and an unyielding passion for travel, I made the decision to embark on a new journey as a Travel Consultant at Indochina Voyages after COVID-19. Allow me to curate tailored and extraordinary travel experiences that will transform your travel dreams into tangible realities.

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What to do in dalat travel guide.

Dalat is a city located in the highlands that offers a cooler weather environment. Beautiful nature provides a landscape view for those who like to walk and admire waterfalls and flower parks. Panoramic views of the highlands make Dalat a worthwhile visit, including but not limited to Datanla Falls, Mount Liang Biang, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, and Bao Dai’s Palace. For more details on things to do and foods to try, check out our What to do in Dalat Travel Guide below.

Book your tickets to Dalat on 12GoAsia

Places to See in Dalat:

Datanla waterfalls.

While other attractions in Dalat include visits to the mountains, flower gardens, and lake, the waterfall is another Must-SEE of the city. Among the beautiful waterfalls in Dalat, Datanla is no doubt the most recommended one. You will have a chance to ride a thrilling roller coaster journey from the top of the falls through the woods.

Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM

Address: Prenn Pass, Ward 3, Dalat, Lam Dong

Entrance: VND 10,000 ($0.5)

Strawberry and Persimmons Gardens

Strawberry and persimmons fields are popular in Dalat. If you would like to have a beautiful photo and enjoy the fresh fruits, it is a good choice to spend time visiting these gardens.

It is worth noting that visitors can pick the strawberries or persimmons by themselves and buy directly in the garden. Since they are fresh, the price could be a little higher than the ones sold at the local markets. You can also buy jams, dried fruits, and other fruit products at these places.

Dalat Flower Gardens

If you love flowers, Dalat Flower Garden is your ideal destination. In Vietnam, Dalat is named as the City of Love not only because of the great man-made constructions but also for its variety of flowers and plant species making up beautiful natural sceneries.

On the northern side of Xuan Huong Lake and covering an area of approximately 7,000 sqm, Dalat Flower Gardens are one of the most visited by tourists. Coming to the gardens, you could be lost in a multi-color maze spreading the fragrances catching the visitors’ attention. And if you would like to bring a bouquet of flowers home, the garden owners are ready to sell one on the spot.

Hours: Daily from 7:30 AM – 4 PM

Address: Tran Quoc Toan, Ward 8, Dalat, Lam Dong

Entrance: VND 30,000 ($1.5)

Truc Lam Temple by Cable car

With around VND 50,000 – VND 70,000 ($2 – $3) per round trip for an adult and VND 30,000 – VND 50,000 per round trip for a child, you could overlook Dalat city in a very embracing view including the pine forest, strawberry gardens and flowers planted in the glasshouses. It guarantees a pleasant trip for every visitor. Moreover, the cable car will lead to Tuyen Lam Lake and Truc Lam Temple, which are the Must-SEE attractions in Dalat.

Lake of Sighs (Ho Than Tho)

Located in the East of Dalat, the lake used to be a swamp before the French built a dam to provide water for the city in 1937. At this place, there is a sad love folklore often told of a Vietnamese couple. They promised to unite after the war, but they all ended up killing themselves. At first, the woman heard the news that the man died in battle, so she was depressed and threw herself into the lake, but he didn’t die in battle. When he returned and sadly heard about his beloved’s death, he also threw himself into the lake. Since then, the lake was called “Than Tho” or “Sighs”, sighs for the depressed love.

Hours: Daily from 7 AM – 5 PM

Address: Ho Than Tho, Ward 12, Dalat, Lam Dong. 6 KM away from the city center to the east, along Quang Trung-Ho Xuan Huong Street

Entrance: VND 20,000 ($1)

Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse and Art Gallery)

Established in 1990 by Soviet-trained Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, “Crazy House” puts on a unique feel attracting a vast number of visitors every year. This building was designed in extraordinary architecture involved in a bizarre concept and tree-like shape. Being here, some people say it looks like being in Alice’s Wonderland, but others argue it is a horror garden! This attraction is an unusual place of visit in our What to do in Dalat Travel Guide.

More interestingly, the Crazy House was listed as one of the 10 weirdest constructions in the world, nominated by People’s Daily magazine in 2009.

Hours: Daily from 7 AM – 6 PM

Address: 3 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Dalat

Lam Ty Ni Pagoda (aka the Mad Monk Temple)

Lam Ty Ni Pagoda is a mix of religious sites and an art gallery. The master of this small monastery is Vien Thuc, who is both a Zen monk and a painter. He is very guest-welcoming and can speak French, English, Swedish, Chinese, and Thai. People give him the nickname Mad Monk because he is different in comparison with other Zen monks, but he is a fascinating guy. Hence, tourists often come to talk with him and see his arts.

Hours: All year round

Address: 2 Thien My (not far from Hang Nga’s Crazy House)

Entrance: Free

Linh Phuoc Pagoda or Dragon Pagoda, located in the romantic city of  Dalat, is a one-of-a-kind pagoda that you should not miss when visiting Vietnam.

This attraction was built from the period 1949 to 1952 and all funded by the Buddhists. The design of the unique features was of 5th Master Monk Thich Tam Vi, and it has been well-kept after a major renovation in 1990. It is distinguishable to note that the Pagoda was made of debris of glass, pottery bowls, and porcelain, so the locals usually call it Ve Chai Pagoda.

At this place, besides the special materials of the construction, visitors have a chance to enjoy the intricate mosaics and the sophisticated sculptures made from broken glass. For instance, the pillars make this Pagoda super unique. Each of the colorful and decorated pillars forms a dragon. And you can see a spectacular 4.9 meters statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Thus, take pictures if you can!

Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM

Address: 120 Tu Phuoc, Dalat, Lam Dong

Mist and Fog “Hunting”

One of the Dalat activities is mist and fog sightseeing. Ideally, 5 AM is the best time to submerge yourself in the mystical sights around town when mists are still lingering near the ground from the condensation at night. It sounds crazy to have to wake up early for this, but it promises a memorable experience for people who are not from the highlands!

The “hunting” seasons in Dalat are May, June, and July.

Additional places for mist and fog “hunting” and a panoramic view of Dalat are at Mt. Lang Biang.

Option 1: Rada Hill –  MT. Lang Biang (1929 meters in height)

With a 6 km road, you should hire a Jeep instead of trekking. Visitors usually spend around 30 minutes at the mountain top. If you go up with the jeep, remember your jeep number because you’ll go down with the same jeep.

By jeep (capacity: 6 adults excluding kids under 6 years old)

Round-trip price (last updated Oct. 2019): VND 480,000 ($22) per car, or VND 80,000 per person 

Journey time: 15 minutes (Jeep) and 1.5 – 2 hours (Walking)

Lang Biang entrance fee: VND 30,000 ($1.5)

Option 2: Nui Ba – Mt. Lang Biang (2167 meters in height)

Phase 1: Tourist zone Checkpoint to Nui Ba

Follow the road to Rada Hill by Jeep, when reaching the National Park’s Checkpoint after 3 – 4 km, turn right and go to a track until arriving at the Checkpoint of Nui Ba.

Phase 2: Checkpoint of Nui Ba to LangBiang

Keep going on the track, you will get through a pine forest. On this track, we cannot go by Jeep but on foot.

Dalat Central Night Market

Dalat Central Night Market is a lively gathering place providing a broad range of souvenir selections and Vietnamese street foods .

Xuan Huong Lake at night

Visiting Xuan Huong Lake is one of the things to do in Dalat. If tourists are so impressed with its gorgeousness in the daytime, they will be more impressed when the sun goes down. It turns into a romantic atmosphere in the evening. For locals, it is by far the most fantastic feeling when holding their beloved’s hand and wandering around the lake under a slightly chilly night. This is a peaceful lake to visit.

Valley of Love (Vallée d’Amour) Park

In this area, it is a romantic environment with green hills, lakes, lovely gardens, and spacious fields to relax. Apart from the amusement park, young people commonly visit it because of the ‘cowboys’ service offering horse rides and western-liken posing for photos.

Hours: Daily from 6 AM – 5 PM

Address: 5 – 7 Mai Anh Dao, Ward 8, Dalat, Lam Dong, less than 5km north of the town center

Entrance: VND 40,000 – $2/adult, VND 20,000 – $1/child

Bao Dai’s Palace

Bao Dai Palace is a unique French architectural heritage. King Bao Dai was the last Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty of the Vietnam feudal court. This attraction in Dalat consists of Palace I, Palace II, and Palace III. Also known as Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Palace III, is most popular among tourists because it is the best-preserved one built from 1933 – 1937. This 2-story structure with 25 rooms and its amenities is one of the most famous attractions in Dalat.

Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

Address: 1 Trieu Viet Vuong, Dalat, about 1.5 km from the city center to the South

• Adult: VND 15,000
• Children: VND 10,000
• Renting costume: VND 20,000/dress

Dalat Pedagogy College

Recognized by the World Construction Community, the College of Pedagogy of Dalat is one of the 1000 unique buildings of the 20th century. This is the ideal destination where most young people seek a photoshoot to post on their social media. Unfortunately, as of date, the school is no longer open for tourists to visit.

This is a French school established in 1976. The vintage atmosphere together with the spacious and romantic environment is a significant combination that tourists cannot miss.

Address: 29 Yersin, Ward 10, Dalat, Lam Dong

Hours: Monday to Saturday visit after 4:30 PM

Sunday: all-day

The school is now no longer open for tourist visits

Where to Stay in Dalat

Dalat edensee lake resort & spa.

Booking link: Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa

Indulge yourself in the ultimate luxury services and pristine nature of Dalat Highlands in Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa. All private villas reside in the lush greenery of the resort-owned peninsula, offering customers an idyllic nature retreat with distinguished hospitality and modern sophistication.

Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat

Booking link: Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat

Surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat delivers not only the most comfortable stay but also the most memorable experience for all visitors to the city of love. With more than 150 upscale rooms and suites, and an excellent dining experience at their contemporary restaurant, the resort promises to cater to every need of the most sophisticated customers.

Ladalat Hotel

Booking link: Ladalat Hotel

With the semi-classical architecture surrounded by a vibrant and blooming garden, Ladalat Hotel blends harmoniously with the grace of Dalat’s nature. The ultra-modern amenities and high-class services are what have given the hotel its reputation for class and professionalism. Most rooms overlook a panoramic view of the mountains and shimmering lakes, offering customers a peaceful sanctuary from all stresses and strains in their busy lives.

River Prince Hotel

Booking link: River Prince Hotel

Well-equipped with more than 100 rooms, modern conference rooms, and high-class restaurant services, the River Prince Hotel is the optimal choice for business travelers to the city of Dalat. The facilities also include a golf course which is only 3km away from the hotel, which will offer some pleasant relaxation in the breezing climate of Dalat.

La Xanh Hotel

Booking link: La Xanh Hotel

La Xanh Hotel is a budget accommodation in Dalat that prides itself in providing top-quality service. Thanks to its strategic location right in the heart of Dalat, visitors can feel free to explore Dalat’s main attractions and culture. There is a bar inside in case you want to grab a nice, cold drink before bed.

Osaka Resort

Booking link: Osaka Resort

Although this is a more economical option for resorts in Dalat, Osaka Resort is still committed to providing the best of its service. Besides its reputation for lovely breakfast services, the resort offers hiking trails, hot tubs, tennis courts, and a garden, which is guaranteed to make the most of all leisure trip-goers.

Foods to Try in Dalat:

Enjoy a vietnamese coffee.

Dalat is an ideal destination for coffee lovers. There are a vast number of beautiful coffee houses for tourists. Not only offering an excellent cup of coffee, but these sites also provide several beautiful spaces with gorgeous architecture from classic to vintage and modern. These vibes spread out and capture the attention of all visitors, even the strictest ones.

Banh Can Dalat (Mini Pancakes) and Meatballs

Banh Can is a Dalat’s signature which is a must-try for every visitor. Additionally, the Vietnamese shu mai is also a popular breakfast on Dalat’s chilly morning. The shu mai is more of a meatball with sweet and sour sauce and is always served warm and freshly made.

Recommended location: 7 Tang Bat Ho, Dalat

Price: VND 20,000 – VND 30,000 ($1 – $1.5)

Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese Pizza)

Recommended location: 58 Nguyen Cong Tru, Dalat, Lam Dong

Price: VND 15,000 – 20,000

Hour: 4 PM – 10 PM

Read more on Banh trang nuong

Sua Dau Nanh (Soy Bean Milk)

Recommended location: 64 Tang Bac Ho, Dalat, Lam Dong

Price: VND 5,000 – 11,000

Hour: 5 PM – 12 AM

Banh Uot Ga (Steamed Rice Noodle With Chicken)

Price: VND 30,000 – 66,000

Nem Nuong Dalat (Grilled Pork)

Price: VND 15,000 – 50,000

Summary of What to Do in Dalat Travel Guide

Although all the above images and insider information would make you feel tempted to visit this romantic city, Dalat, they could hardly ever illustrate the whole beauty and attractions of Dalat. This What to Do in Dalat Travel Guide offers you an amazing experience of  all aspects of the city, ranging from nature, food, historical attractions, and culture. Therefore, if you are planning a dream trip or an unforgettable Vietnam honeymoon , prepare your pack and plan your Vietnam private tours today.

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Ho Chi Minh City & Dalat Explorer: A 3-Day Cultural Odyssey

April 17, 2024 · 3 min read

Begin your 3-day journey in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where history and modernity collide. Day 1 immerses you in Vietnam's past with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, a poignant reminder of the country's military history. Next, step into the Reunification Palace, a symbol of historic significance, followed by a gaze over the city from Bitexco Financial Tower's observation deck. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Saigon Central Post Office before unwinding amidst the lush greenery of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden. Day 2 offers a cultural feast with the grand Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, the stately People's Committee Building, and the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. Wander through the characteristic neighborhood of Pham Ngu Lao before delving underground into the Cu Chi Tunnels, a testament to Vietnam's resilience. On Day 3, the journey takes a scenic turn to Dalat, starting with the regal Bao Dai Summer Palace 3. Let your imagination run wild at the whimsical Crazy House and soak in local life at Dalat Market. A serene stroll around Xuan Huong Lake and the refreshing mist of Datanla Waterfall provide a tranquil finale to your adventure. This itinerary promises a blend of historical insights, architectural wonders, and natural splendors, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

• Day 1: Unveiling Ho Chi Minh City's Historical Tapestry

War Remnants Museum

Kicking off our Ho Chi Minh City adventure, the War Remnants Museum stands as a poignant reminder of Vietnam's turbulent past. Located at 28 Vo Van Tan Street, this military museum demands attention with its compelling exhibits that span over an hour's visit. The museum's stark portrayal of war through artifacts, photographs, and stories offers a sobering glimpse into the resilience and struggles of the Vietnamese people.

Attraction Info

• 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 7:30am-5:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Reunification Palace

Next on our historical journey is the Reunification Palace, a mere half-hour exploration into the heart of Vietnam's political legacy. Nestled at 135 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, this iconic building is a symbol of Vietnam's unification and serves as a time capsule of the 1960s era, with its well-preserved rooms and state functions echoing the past.

• 135 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
• Open from 8:00am-3:30pm

Bitexco Financial Tower

Soaring into modernity, the Bitexco Financial Tower is a beacon of contemporary design and offers an unparalleled view of the city. With just an hour at this skyscraper, visitors can ascend to the observation deck and bask in the panoramic vistas of Ho Chi Minh City, capturing the dynamic blend of old and new from an eagle's eye perspective.

• 2 Đ. Hải Triều, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam
• Open from 9:30am-9:30pm

Sai Gon Central Post Office

A short half-hour stop at the Saigon Central Post Office will transport you back to a time of colonial elegance. Located at 2 communes in Paris, this architectural masterpiece is not only a functioning post office but also a monument to historical grandeur, with its ornate decorations and period features that have stood the test of time.

• 2 communes in Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
• Open on Mon-Sat,7:30am-6:00pm;Open on Sun,8:00am-5:00pm

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden

Concluding Day 1, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a two-hour serene escape. Situated at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, this verdant oasis in the midst of the bustling city is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, providing a tranquil backdrop to reflect on the day's historical and cultural odyssey.

• 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open on Mon-Fri,7:00am-5:30pm;Open on Sat-Sun,7:00am-6:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Aya homestay, luxy park hotel & apartments - notre dame.

• Day 2: Cultural Charms and Market Marvels in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Begin your second day with a touch of elegance at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, a beacon of classical architecture amidst the bustling cityscape. Located at 07 Lam Son Square Street, this theater offers a glimpse into the artistic heritage of Vietnam, with its opulent design and rich history. Spend an hour immersed in the grandeur of this cultural landmark, where the walls echo with the melodies of bygone eras.

• 07 Lam Son Square Street | District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
• Open from 9:00am-4:30pm

People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City

Just a short stroll from the Opera House, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City awaits. This historic building serves as the city hall and stands as a testament to French colonial architecture. Although a brief visit of half an hour, the building's striking façade and the significance it holds in the city's administrative history make it a must-see on your itinerary.

• 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
• Open on Mon-Fri,7:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Sat-Sun

Ben Thanh Market

Next, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, the heartbeat of local commerce. Located at Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, this bustling bazaar is the perfect place to spend an hour sampling local delicacies, haggling for souvenirs, and observing the daily life of the city's residents. The market's colorful stalls and friendly vendors offer an authentic slice of Ho Chi Minh City life.

• Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
• Open from 9:00am-1:00am

Pham Ngu Lao

Continue your exploration in Pham Ngu Lao, the characteristic neighborhood known for its dynamic energy and backpacker vibe. Spend an hour wandering through the streets of this district, where the fusion of cultures and the pulse of city life create a lively scene. From street food to nightlife, Pham Ngu Lao is a microcosm of the city's diverse offerings.

• Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open 24 hours

Cu Chi Tunnel

Cap off your day with a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passageways that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Located a distance from the city center, this historical site offers a two-hour exploration of the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. The tunnels are a poignant reminder of the country's turbulent past and a testament to the spirit of its people.

• Đ. Tỉnh Lộ 15, Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 733814, Vietnam
• Open from 7:00am-5:00pm

Les Hameaux de l'Orient

Hung phuoc hotel.

• Day 3: Historic Charm to Modern Marvels in Dalat

Bao Dai Summer Palace 3

Kicking off the final day in Dalat, the Bao Dai Summer Palace 3 is a regal start to your morning. Once the leisure home of Vietnam's last emperor, this historic building offers a glimpse into the opulent past with its well-preserved decor and serene gardens. Spend an hour wandering through the rooms where royalty once roamed, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this majestic site.

• 1 Đường Triệu Việt Vương, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
• Open from 7:00am-5:30pm

Crazy House

Next on the agenda is a shift from historic to surreal at the Crazy House, a whimsical example of modern architecture that defies convention. With its Gaudi-esque, organic shapes and fairy tale-like structures, this one-of-a-kind house is a must-see. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the bizarre stairways and unconventional rooms during your one-hour visit to this architectural wonder.

• 03 Đ. Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66115, Vietnam
• Open from 8:30am-6:00pm

Dalat Market

As the afternoon unfolds, dive into the bustling atmosphere of Dalat Market. This vibrant marketplace is the heart of the city's daily life, offering a colorful array of local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Spend a couple of hours exploring the stalls, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the characteristic charm of this lively neighborhood.

• Da Lat, Lam Dong province
• Open from 5:30am-11:30pm

Xuan Huong Lake

Following the market's sensory overload, find serenity at Xuan Huong Lake, a peaceful oasis in the midst of Dalat. Take a leisurely half-hour stroll around the lake's perimeter, admire the reflections on the water, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. It's the perfect spot to relax and reflect on your journey before the day's final adventure.

• Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Datanla Waterfall

Conclude your Dalat exploration with the natural splendor of Datanla Waterfall. Just a short drive from the city center, this cascading beauty offers a refreshing escape into nature. Spend an hour here, perhaps daring to take a ride on the alpine coaster that winds through the forest, or simply enjoy the sight and sound of the falls as your memorable trip comes to a close.

• Datanla Falls，Phuong 3，Da Lat

Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat

Romantic house on a pine hill dalat.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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How a millennial Lyft driver used the gig to travel to all 50 states, launch a food blog, and get started on a book

• Kreskin J. Torres, a Lyft driver, has traveled across all 50 states, documenting his dining experiences.
• Torres is working on a book, an app called Rideshare Foodies, and is organizing a national potluck.
• He said gig driving is just temporary and has helped him achieve his larger goals.

Kreskin J. Torres, 35, has eaten his way through all 50 states — including Alaska and Hawaii. His ticket to doing so? Driving for Uber and Lyft .

The Army veteran and Baltimore native has documented his dining on his blog Rideshare Foodie . After seven years, he's learned the most profitable times of day to drive, the best locations to find riders in each city and the optimal strategies for maximizing tips .

"You just got to work smarter, not harder," Torres said. "From my experience, I've been in every state, so I know how every city works now."

At the same time, he's been able to pursue his foodie passions. Torres is now working on a book called "Taste of the States," his recommendations app called Rideshare Foodies, and planning a series of events to honor dishes from various states and their history.

While driving for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money for people like Torres who have more than one hustle, it can also be a recipe for burnout. Among the dozens of drivers Business Insider has spoken with over the past few months, many are already dreaming of what's next — starting a business or finding new modes of employment .

And that's Torres' main career advice for those considering it. After all, he's not planning to do the job forever, as he hopes to transition away, though it helped him jump-start new paths for his future.

"Do not make this the end all be all," Torres said, noting how Uber and Lyft have threatened to pull out of Minneapolis. "When it started, it was advertised as a gig, a side hustle."

Traveling the country as a gig driver

As a veteran, he said this job has been relatively stress-free and helpful for not feeling lonely, a similar sentiment he's heard from veterans with PTSD.

"I enjoy meeting and connecting with different people and getting to see different places," Torres said.

He decided to spend his next few years on the road using driving to fund his adventures and to meet locals who could point him to the best restaurants and experiences.

"The great thing is you get to learn about different cities and how everything operates," Torres said.

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He moved to San Antonio , though he works mainly around the more-profitable Austin area, and has explored the South and Southeast.

While he doesn't make much money from his blog, he said driving has allowed him to try everything from Navajo tacos in Arizona to biscuits in chocolate gravy in Arkansas to huckleberry swirls in Montana. Driving has led him to some of his favorite restaurants like I693 Red Zone Grill in Jackson, Mississippi; Strawberry's BBQ in Holcomb, Missouri; and Rice & Roll by Xing Xing in Wichita.

Learning the most profitable places and times to drive

Torres noticed he would get more profitable rides driving around suburbs, airports, and sports stadiums, locations coveted by drivers as they get more tips and sometimes elevated fares.

He learned New Year's will always be profitable , though rides slow down around February before picking up in mid-March. It's led him to be more methodical about the types of rides to take, as well as planning when to save more of his earnings and when to splurge a little on food and travel.

"After seven years, I'm a lot more experienced. It depends on the time of the season, so I usually can do a lot more business in college towns," Torres said. "I would visit a city, see what they're known for, a little history behind it."

Torres was making enough to comfortably travel the country, though he's always been careful since he said passengers are sometimes confused by his out-of-state license plate. He also faced a permanent deactivation from Uber last year over a dispute over the color of his car.

He doesn't have a wife or kids, nor does he have an apartment, as he mainly lives out of his car to save money. He acknowledges that growing competition on the road and lower earnings could put a greater dent in savings for people with families or permanent residences.

Torres has transitioned to driving full-time for Lyft , and he typically is online for 12 hours a day but only actively drives five to six hours in between waiting around airports.

He said he's increasingly put himself in his passengers' shoes to determine the best places and times to drive — he likely won't put in the effort to drive during rain, and he's more likely to do later trips around concert venues or bars.

To continue supporting his travels, he said he sometimes does airport rides at 3 or 4 a.m., as well as rides between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the morning rush. He also said being online around noon is fruitful for corporate workers, while 3 p.m. is right when schools let out. He usually tries not to drive around evening rush hours but sometimes resumes later at night.

He also devotes more time to driving between Wednesday and Sunday, when rides are more frequent, whether for "whiskey Wednesdays" or Friday afternoon happy hours. This is also when he can best network with passengers and hear their stories, as he said he occasionally gets to drive famous people.

Torres said drivers should consider this a short-term opportunity while working toward long-term goals. As he eases off the app, he has his eyes set on more international travel in the coming months. He's also investing more time in his food app, a local recommendation tool that functions like a Facebook group in which people ask questions about, for example, the best bartender in the area or where to go for particular dishes. It has launched on Android and set to be released on Apple by the summer.

"The most positivity that you can get out of it, do whatever you can and get the most out of it," Torres said. "The next few months will probably be my last time doing this because I'm focusing on other things, so I always had a plan for the things I was going to do."

Are you a ride-hailing driver who's struggling to pay bills or has had recent success? Have you recently pivoted to a new career from driving? Reach out to  [email protected] .

Watch: How truck driving became one of the worst jobs in the US

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Mount Ruang Erupts in Indonesia, Spewing Lava Thousands of Feet Into the Sky

Hundreds of earthquakes were detected in the weeks preceding the eruption of the volcano in North Sulawesi province. Hundreds of people were evacuated.

By Christine Hauser

Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday, spewing fiery lava and ash thousands of feet into the night sky and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people in the North Sulawesi province, according to the authorities and local news reports.

The volcano erupted at about 7:19 p.m. local time, Antara, the national news agency, reported. The country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said on Wednesday that more than 800 people in nearby villages were displaced by the eruption, many using ferries and taking shelter in churches and community centers.

The authorities said supplies such as mats, blankets, cleaning materials, and tents were needed, and that more shelters might be opening for people fleeing the volcano.

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation. It is spread across what is known as the Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates clash under the surface of the Pacific Ocean and spawn earthquakes and eruptions from volcanoes.

Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano , or a steep, conical volcano that has built up over years in layers from explosive eruptions of lava, rock fragments, ash and other properties.

“It is in a part of the world where there are a lot of active volcanoes,” said Dr. Tracy K.P. Gregg , who chairs the geology department at the University at Buffalo.

Its last major eruption was in 2002, when the column of lava and ash that it spewed reached up to 17 miles, Dr. Gregg said.

She said the volcano in 2002 measured 4, a “large” volcano on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, a scale used to measure the strength of an eruption by looking at several factors, such as duration, ash volume and plume height. Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 measured 6 on the index. Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 measured 5.

“So it is a little bit smaller than that,” she said of Mount Ruang. Right now, it is not as violent as the previous eruption, she added, but the volcano cannot be fully assessed while it is in progress.

More than 300 volcanic earthquakes were detected over a period of at least two weeks preceding the eruption of Mount Ruang.

It is not immediately clear why the volcano erupted when it did. “Every volcano has its own personality,” she said.

In the past few years, several volcanoes in Indonesia have erupted. In December, 2023, the bodies of 11 hikers were found on the slopes of Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra, after an eruption that spewed an ash column of nearly 3,000 meters — about 10,000 feet high.

In December 2022, more than 1,900 people were evacuated from the area surrounding Mount Semeru as it erupted. In an eruption there the previous December , more than 50 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

Christine Hauser is a reporter, covering national and foreign news. Her previous jobs in the newsroom include stints in Business covering financial markets and on the Metro desk in the police bureau. More about Christine Hauser